Surgical instrument comprising an offset articulation joint

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a shaft, and an articulation joint is disclosed. The shaft comprises a frame defining a longitudinal shaft axis and, in addition, a closure actuator translatable relative to the frame. The closure actuator comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a link rotatably connected to the proximal and distal portions about proximal and distal link axes, wherein the proximal and distal link axes define a longitudinal link axis therebetween. The end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about an articulation axis defined by the articulation joint, wherein the end effector is articulable between an unarticulated position and an articulated position, wherein the articulation axis is offset from the longitudinal shaft axis, and wherein the longitudinal link axis is not collinear with the longitudinal shaft axis when the end effector is in either the unarticulated position or the articulated position.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in variousarrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staplecartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together withadvantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a surgical system comprising ahandle assembly and multiple interchangeable surgical tool assembliesthat may be used therewith;

FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of portions of the handle assemblyand one of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the interchangeable surgical toolassemblies depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the interchangeable surgical toolassembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is another exploded assembly view of a distal portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is another exploded assembly view of a distal portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly view of a proximal portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-6;

FIG. 8 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-7;

FIG. 9 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-9;

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the proximal portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the proximal portion ofthe interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-11;

FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the proximalportion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-12;

FIG. 14 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the proximalportion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a distal portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-14;

FIG. 16 is a partial plan view of an end effector of a surgicalinstrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 16A is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 16illustrating the end effector articulated in a first direction;

FIG. 16B is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 16illustrating the end effector articulated in a second direction;

FIG. 17 is a partial plan view of an end effector of a surgicalinstrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 17A is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrating the end effector articulated in a first direction;

FIG. 17B is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrating the end effector articulated in a second direction;

FIG. 18 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 16 in anarticulated position;

FIG. 21 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 in anarticulated position;

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustrating an articulation range of the endeffector of FIG. 16;

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustrating an articulation range of the endeffector of FIG. 17;

FIG. 24 is a partial perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 25 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 26 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in an open, unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 26A is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in an open, fully-right articulated configuration;

FIG. 26B is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in an open, fully-left articulated configuration;

FIG. 27 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in a closed, unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 27A is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in a closed, fully-right articulated configuration;

FIG. 27B is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in a closed, fully-left articulated configuration;

FIG. 28 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 29 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 30 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 30A is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in a fully-right articulated configuration;

FIG. 30B is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in a fully-left articulated configuration;

FIG. 31 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 31A is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in a fully-right articulated configuration;

FIG. 31B is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17illustrated in a fully-left articulated configuration;

FIG. 32 is a partial perspective view of an end effector in accordancewith at least one embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 32illustrated in an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 34A is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 32illustrated in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 34B is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 32illustrated in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 35 is a partial perspective view of an end effector in accordancewith at least one embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a partial perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 35illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 37 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 35illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 38 is a partial elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 35illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 35illustrated in an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 39A is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 35illustrated in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 39B is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 35illustrated in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 40 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector comprisingan articulation system including an articulation lock in accordance withat least one embodiment;

FIG. 41 is a partial exploded view of the end effector of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional end view of the end effector of FIG. 40;

FIG. 43 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 40illustrating the articulation lock in an engaged condition;

FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 40illustrating the articulation lock in an unlocked condition;

FIG. 45 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 40illustrating the articulation lock in a locked condition;

FIG. 46 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector including aslidable lock plate in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 47 is a partial cross-sectional view of another end effectorincluding a slidable lock plate in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 48 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 47illustrating self-adjustability of the lock plate;

FIG. 49 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 47in a locked condition;

FIG. 50 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector includinganother slidable lock plate in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 51 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 50illustrated in a locked condition;

FIG. 52 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 50illustrated in another locked condition;

FIG. 53 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector comprisingan articulation system and an articulation lock in accordance with atleast one embodiment illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 53A is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG.53 articulated in a first direction;

FIG. 53B is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG.53 articulated in a second direction;

FIG. 54 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 53in an unlocked condition;

FIG. 55 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 53in a partially-locked condition;

FIG. 56 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 53in a locked condition;

FIG. 57 is a chart illustrating the gradual locking of the end effectorof FIG. 53;

FIG. 58 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector comprisingan articulation system and an articulation lock in accordance with atleast one embodiment illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 58illustrated in a partially-locked condition;

FIG. 60 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 58in a locked condition;

FIG. 61 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector comprisingan articulation system and an articulation lock in accordance with atleast one embodiment illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 62 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 61illustrating the articulation lock being moved toward the articulationsystem;

FIG. 63 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 61illustrating the articulation lock engaged with the articulation system;

FIG. 64 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 61illustrating the articulation lock in a locked condition;

FIG. 65 is another partial cross-sectional view of the end effector ofFIG. 61 illustrating the articulation lock in its locked condition;

FIG. 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector comprisingan articulation system and an articulation lock in accordance with atleast one embodiment illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 67 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 66illustrating the articulation lock engaged with the articulation system;

FIG. 68 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 66illustrating the articulation lock in a locked condition;

FIG. 69 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector comprisingan articulation system and an articulation lock in accordance with atleast one embodiment illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 70 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 69illustrating the articulation lock being moved toward the articulationsystem;

FIG. 71 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 69illustrating the articulation lock in a locked condition;

FIG. 72 is a partial perspective view of an end effector articulationdrive system in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 73 is a plan view of the end effector articulation drive system ofFIG. 72;

FIG. 74 is an elevational view of the end effector articulation drivesystem of FIG. 72;

FIG. 75 is a partial perspective view of an end effector articulationdrive system in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 76 is a plan view of the end effector articulation drive system ofFIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is an elevational view of the end effector articulation drivesystem of FIG. 75;

FIG. 78 is a detail view of the end effector articulation drive systemof FIG. 75;

FIG. 79 is another detail view of the end effector articulation drivesystem of FIG. 75;

FIG. 80 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordancewith at least one embodiment comprising a shaft and an end effector;

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of the surgical instrument in FIG. 80illustrating the end effector articulated relative to the shaft;

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 80 in an openconfiguration;

FIG. 83 is a partial elevational view of a firing member in accordancewith at least one embodiment;

FIG. 84 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the firing member ofFIG. 83;

FIG. 85 is a partial cross-sectional view of a distal end of a staplecartridge with a shortened nose in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 86 is a partial cross-sectional view of a distal end of a staplecartridge with an elongate nose in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 87 is a top view of various internal components of the staplecartridge of FIG. 85 illustrating a triple staple driver spanning acrossthree longitudinal rows of staple cavities positioned on top of aportion of a wedge sled;

FIG. 88 is a cross-sectional view of the triple staple driver of FIG. 87illustrating the centerline of the triple staple driver with respect tothe sled;

FIG. 89 is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 85illustrating one side of the staple cartridge deck in cross-section andshowing the position of the sled of FIG. 88 within recesses defined inthe shortened nose of the cartridge after the completion of a firingstroke;

FIG. 90 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge ofFIG. 85 taken along line 90-90 in FIG. 89 illustrating the position ofthe sled after the completion of a firing stroke;

FIG. 91 is a diagram comparing the accessibility of end effectorscomprising the staple cartridges in FIGS. 85 and 86 during a surgicalprocedure in a pelvic cavity;

FIG. 92 is a partial perspective view of an end effector comprising thestaple cartridge of FIG. 85 and a shortened opposing anvil with aprotective tip in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 93 is a partial elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 92;

FIG. 94 is a partial plan view of one embodiment of the anvil depictedin FIG. 92 with a protective tip in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 95 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil depicted in FIG.94 taken along line 95-95 in FIG. 94 and illustrated in a partiallydisassembled configuration showing exemplary attachment means forremovably affixing the protective tip to the anvil;

FIG. 96 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil depicted in FIG.95 taken along line 96-96 in FIG. 95 and illustrated in a partiallydisassembled configuration showing the geometry of an attachment featureon the anvil for connection to corresponding geometry on the protectivetip;

FIG. 97 is a partial cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment ofthe anvil depicted in FIG. 92 in a partially disassembled configuration,illustrating a protective tip positioned within a temporary holder;

FIG. 98 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil depicted in FIG. 97 takenalong line 98-98 in FIG. 97 in a partially disassembled configuration,showing the geometry of a tip attachment feature on the anvil;

FIG. 99 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil depicted in FIG. 97 takenalong line 99-99 in FIG. 97 in an assembled configuration with thetemporary holder still attached;

FIG. 100 is a cross-sectional view of a trocar seal system prior to theinsertion of an end effector there through;

FIG. 101 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar seal system of FIG. 100illustrating the end effector depicted in FIG. 100 being inserted therethrough;

FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar seal system of FIG. 100illustrating the insertion of the end effector depicted in FIG. 100there through;

FIG. 103 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar seal system of FIG. 100illustrating an end effector comprising the shortened staple cartridgeof FIG. 85 and a shortened anvil with a protective tip being insertedthere through;

FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view of a trocar seal system of FIG. 100prior to an end effector comprising the elongate cartridge of FIG. 86and a shortened anvil with a sharp tip being inserted there through;

FIG. 105 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar seal system of FIG. 100illustrating the end effector depicted in FIG. 104 being inserted therethrough; and

FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar seal system of FIG. 100illustrating the end effector depicted in FIG. 104 being inserted therethrough.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Jun. 28, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,729, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,785, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,808, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING FIRING MEMBER SUPPORTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,837, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE TO A FRAME;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,941, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE BY A CLOSURESYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/636,029, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A HOUSING ARRANGEMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,958, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING SELECTIVELY ACTUATABLE ROTATABLE COUPLERS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,981, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS COMPRISING SHORTENED STAPLE CARTRIDGE NOSES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/636,009, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A CLOSURE TUBE PROFILE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,663, entitled METHOD FORARTICULATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,530, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULABLE END EFFECTOR WITH AXIALLY SHORTENEDARTICULATION JOINT CONFIGURATIONS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,549, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH OPEN AND CLOSABLE JAWS AND AXIALLY MOVABLE FIRINGMEMBER THAT IS INITIALLY PARKED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE JAWS PRIOR TOFIRING;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,559, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS CONSTRAINED TO PIVOT ABOUT AN AXIS UPON CONTACTWITH A CLOSURE MEMBER THAT IS PARKED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE PIVOTAXIS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,578, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH IMPROVED JAW APERTURE ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,594, entitled SURGICAL CUTTINGAND FASTENING DEVICES WITH PIVOTABLE ANVIL WITH A TISSUE LOCATINGARRANGEMENT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AN ANVIL PIVOT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,612, entitled JAW RETAINERARRANGEMENT FOR RETAINING A PIVOTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT JAW INPIVOTABLE RETAINING ENGAGEMENT WITH A SECOND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT JAW;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,621, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,521, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENT;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,087, entitled STAPLEFORMING ANVIL;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,083, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SHAFT; and

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,093, entitled SURGICALFASTENER CARTRIDGE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Jun. 27, 2017 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,024, entitled SURGICAL ANVILMANUFACTURING METHODS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,035, entitled SURGICAL ANVILARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,046, entitled SURGICAL ANVILARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,054, entitled SURGICAL ANVILARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,068, entitled SURGICAL FIRINGMEMBER ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,076, entitled STAPLE FORMINGPOCKET ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,090, entitled STAPLE FORMINGPOCKET ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,099, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS AND ANVILS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,117, entitled ARTICULATIONSYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230, entitled ARTICULABLESURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled LOCKOUTARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, entitled LOCKOUTARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGESAND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941, entitled SURGICAL TOOLASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURESYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION ANDFIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled SURGICAL TOOLASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGESAND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENINGDISTANCE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953, entitled METHODS OFSTAPLING TISSUE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING MEMBERSWITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEMACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGESAND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD FORRESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898, entitled STAPLE FORMINGPOCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGEAND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE FIRINGMEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRINGASSEMBLY LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,908, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A FUSE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920, entitled STAPLE FORMINGPOCKET ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, entitled ANVIL ARRANGEMENTSFOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914, entitled METHOD OFDEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THESAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893, entitled BILATERALLYASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929, entitled CLOSURE MEMBERSWITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE ANDDISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICALSTAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRINGSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGECOMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900, entitled STAPLE FORMINGPOCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931, entitled NO-CARTRIDGE ANDSPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled FIRING MEMBER PINANGLE; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897, entitled STAPLEFORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,912, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDESEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL HAVING AKNIFE SLOT WIDTH;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,906, entitled FIRING MEMBER PINCONFIGURATIONS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188, entitled STEPPED STAPLECARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled STEPPED STAPLECARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,206, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGEWITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, entitled DURABILITYFEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled CONNECTIONPORTIONS FOR DISPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887, entitled METHOD FORATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY,TO A SURGICAL ROBOT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH AMOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRINGMEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,892, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEMCOMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TOARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921, entitled SURGICALSTAPLE/FASTENER CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TODISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925, entitled JAW ACTUATED LOCKARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICALEND EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE ENDEFFECTOR;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled AXIALLY MOVABLECLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OFSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928, entitled PROTECTIVE COVERARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATORSHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING ANDCLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, entitled ARTICULABLESURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, entitled ARTICULABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF ANARTICULATION LOCK;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934, entitled ARTICULATION LOCKARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION INRESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,935, entitled LATERALLYACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OFA SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936, entitled ARTICULABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patentapplications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGECOMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807, entitled STAPLING SYSTEMFOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED STAPLESAND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGECOMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGECOMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,218, entitled SURGICALFASTENER;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled SURGICALFASTENER;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled SURGICALFASTENER CARTRIDGE; and

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264, entitled SURGICALFASTENER CARTRIDGE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOROPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR SURGICALSTAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL CUTTINGAND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled INTERCHANGEABLESURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELYROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENTHEIGHTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL MODIFICATIONMEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGESWITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. PatentApplications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31, 2015 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. PatentApplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016 which areeach herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULABLE RELATIVE TOAN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled ARTICULABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATIONSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled ARTICULABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. PatentApplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0367256;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0367248;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRINGBEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367255;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled ARTICULABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTERFIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0367254;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL ARTICULATIONDRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367246; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULLARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367245.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256184;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVELTHRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/02561185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE TISSUECOMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUETYPES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID MULTISENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUECOMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256071;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING SPEEDCONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256153;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENTEVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, ANDVISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0256187;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled INTERACTIVEFEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0256186;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL TECHNIQUESAND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROLPROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0256155;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS WITHLOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0256163;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FORDETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICALSTAPLE/FASTENER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0256160;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0256162; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0256161.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0249919;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUSCONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICALAPPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0249915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL CHARGINGSYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEMTHAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FORMONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED BATTERYFOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0249908;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER ADAPTER FORA SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0249909;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICALINSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0249945;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR STAPLINGASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249927; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUSCONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0249917.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FORADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0174977;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0174969;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTSFOR ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0174978;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKINGARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULABLE SURGICALEND EFFECTORS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174976;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETENON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0174972;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0174983;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAMSUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0174975;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAMSUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0174973;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled ARTICULABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY POWEREDARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0246472;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCHARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0249557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled ELECTROMECHANICALSURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT, now U.S. Pat. No.9,358,003;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSORMOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,554,794;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK SWITCHASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,767;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSORSTRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,468,438;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL METHODSFOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now U.S. Pat. No.9,398,911; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled ARTICULABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263542;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROLARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,332,987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLESHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263564;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263541;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSORARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled MULTI-FUNCTIONMOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2014/0263554;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEMLOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,629,623;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled ARTICULATIONCONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,351,726;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAINCONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,351,727; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEMFOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0277017.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplication that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMSFOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,629.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTCONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272582;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled STERILIZATIONVERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272581;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled VERIFICATION OFNUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272580;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTTHROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272579;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACKALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272571;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272578;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272570;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE SYSTEMSFOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272572;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0277471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTTHROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280424;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272583; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0280384.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY ANDSENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066912;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT WITHINTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0066914;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING DEVICEDEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066910;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE SENSORSWITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR′S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066909;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled POLARITY OF HALLMAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART CARTRIDGEWAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066911;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTORCONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066916; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL DISPLAY OFTISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2016/0066913.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR DRIVENSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0305987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROMTHE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,649,110;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THESURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0305988;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED LINEARSURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0309666;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled TRANSMISSIONARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0305991;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR MOTORDRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARYDRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0305994;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED SURGICALSTAPLE/FASTENER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0309665;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEMDECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0305990; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR MOTORDRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376, entitled LINEARCUTTER WITH POWER;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382, entitled LINEARCUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTORCONTROL; and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and useof the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, andelements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described in the specification. The reader will understandthat the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limitingexamples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein may be representative andillustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and“comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and“having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and“including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains”and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgicalsystem, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or“contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements,but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements.Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,”“has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those oneor more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one ormore features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument.The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician andthe term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician.It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity,spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may beused herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instrumentsare used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are notintended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performinglaparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, thereader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devicesdisclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures andapplications including, for example, in connection with open surgicalprocedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the readerwill further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed hereincan be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a naturalorifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. Theworking portions or end effector portions of the instruments can beinserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through anaccess device that has a working channel through which the end effectorand elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effectorextending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and asecond jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staplecartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however,other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is notremovable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. Thesecond jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected fromthe staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the firstjaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned inwhich the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. Thesurgical stapling system further comprises an articulation jointconfigured to permit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated,relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about anarticulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Otherembodiments are envisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge bodyincludes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between theproximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge ispositioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil ispositioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward thestaple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck.Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can bedeployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavitiesdefined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staplecavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows.Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of alongitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on asecond side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staplecavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. Thedrivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second,or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. Thedrivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extendsaround the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient membersconfigured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to thecartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positionsand their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between aproximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal positionadjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of rampedsurfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, andthe staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. Thefiring member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled towardthe distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body isconfigured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slotconfigured to receive the firing member. The firing member furthercomprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam whichengages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, thefirst cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap,between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firingmember also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue capturedintermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for theknife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the rampedsurfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

FIG. 1 depicts a motor-driven surgical system 10 that may be used toperform a variety of different surgical procedures. As can be seen inFIG. 1, one example of the surgical system 10 includes fourinterchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 thatare each adapted for interchangeable use with a handle assembly 500.Each interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000may be designed for use in connection with the performance of one ormore specific surgical procedures. In another surgical systemembodiment, one or more of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 may also be effectively employed with a tooldrive assembly of a robotically controlled or automated surgical system.For example, the surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein may beemployed with various robotic systems, instruments, components andmethods such as, but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.9,072,535, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLEDEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

FIG. 2 illustrates attachment of an interchangeable surgical toolassembly 1000 to the handle assembly 500. It will be understood that anyof the other interchangeable tool assemblies 3000, 5000, and 7000 may becoupled to the handle assembly 500 in a similar manner. The attachmentarrangement and process depicted in FIG. 2 may also be employed inconnection with attachment of any of the interchangeable surgical toolassemblies 1000, 3000, 5000 and 7000 to a tool drive portion or tooldrive housing of a robotic system. The handle assembly 500 may comprisea handle housing 502 that includes a pistol grip portion 504 that can begripped and manipulated by the clinician. As will be briefly discussedbelow, the handle assembly 500 operably supports a plurality of drivesystems 510, 530 that are configured to generate and apply variouscontrol motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly 1000, 3000, 5000, and/or 7000 that is operablyattached thereto.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the handle assembly 500 may further include ahandle frame 506 that operably supports the plurality of drive systems.For example, the handle frame 506 can operably support a “first” orclosure drive system, generally designated as 510, which may be employedto apply closing and opening motions to the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 that is operably attached orcoupled to the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, the closuredrive system 510 may include an actuator in the form of a closuretrigger 512 that is pivotally supported by the handle frame 506. Such anarrangement enables the closure trigger 512 to be manipulated by aclinician such that, when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion504 of the handle assembly 500, the closure trigger 512 may be easilypivoted from a starting or “unactuated” position to an “actuated”position and more particularly to a fully compressed or fully actuatedposition. In various forms, the closure drive system 510 furtherincludes a closure linkage assembly 514 that is pivotally coupled to theclosure trigger 512 or otherwise operably interfaces therewith. As willbe discussed in further detail below, in the illustrated example, theclosure linkage assembly 514 includes a transverse attachment pin 516that facilitates attachment to a corresponding drive system on thesurgical tool assembly. In use, to actuate the closure drive system 510,the clinician depresses the closure trigger 512 towards the pistol gripportion 504. As described in further detail in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/226,142, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSORSYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, the closuredrive system 510 is configured to lock the closure trigger 512 into thefully depressed or fully actuated position when the clinician fullydepresses the closure trigger 512 to attain the full closure stroke.When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 512 to permitthe closure trigger 512 to be biased to the unactuated position, theclinician activates a closure release button assembly 518 which enablesthe closure trigger to return to its unactuated position. The closurerelease button assembly 518 may also be configured to interact withvarious sensors that communicate with a microprocessor 560 in the handleassembly 500 for tracking the position of the closure trigger 512.Further details concerning the configuration and operation of theclosure release button assembly 518 may be found in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272575.

In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the handle frame 506may operably support another drive system referred to herein as a firingdrive system 530 that is configured to apply firing motions tocorresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblythat is attached thereto. As was described in detail in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272575, the firing drive system 530may employ an electric motor 505 that is located in the pistol gripportion 504 of the handle assembly 500. In various forms, the motor 505may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum speed ofapproximately 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor505 may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronousmotor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor505 may be powered by a power source 522 that in one form may comprise aremovable power pack. The power pack may support a plurality of LithiumIon (“LI”) or other suitable batteries therein. A number of batteriesconnected in series may be used as the power source 522 for the surgicalsystem 10. In addition, the power source 522 may be replaceable and/orrechargeable.

The electric motor 505 is configured to axially drive a longitudinallymovable drive member in a distal and proximal directions depending uponthe polarity of the voltage applied to the motor. For example, when themotor is driven in one rotary direction, the longitudinally movabledrive member will be axially driven in a distal direction “DD”. When themotor 505 is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the longitudinallymovable drive member will be axially driven in a proximal direction“PD”. The handle assembly 500 can include a switch 513 which can beconfigured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 505 bythe power source 522 or otherwise control the motor 505. The handleassembly 500 can also include a sensor or sensors that are configured todetect the position of the drive member and/or the direction in whichthe drive member is being moved. Actuation of the motor 505 can becontrolled by a firing trigger 532 (FIG. 1) that is pivotally supportedon the handle assembly 500. The firing trigger 532 may be pivotedbetween an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firingtrigger 532 may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring orother biasing arrangement such that, when the clinician releases thefiring trigger 532, the firing trigger 532 may be pivoted or otherwisereturned to the unactuated position by the spring or biasingarrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 532 can bepositioned “outboard” of the closure trigger 512 as was discussed above.As discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575,the handle assembly 500 may be equipped with a firing trigger safetybutton to prevent the inadvertent actuation of the firing trigger 532.When the closure trigger 512 is in the unactuated position, the safetybutton is contained in the handle assembly 500 where the cliniciancannot readily access it and move it between a safety positionpreventing actuation of the firing trigger 532 and a firing positionwherein the firing trigger 532 may be fired. As the clinician depressesthe closure trigger 512, the safety button and the firing trigger 532pivot downwardly where they can then be manipulated by the clinician.

In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member may have arack of teeth formed thereon for meshing engagement with a correspondingdrive gear arrangement that interfaces with the motor. Further detailsregarding those features may be found in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272575. In at least one form, the handle assembly500 also includes a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly that isconfigured to enable the clinician to manually retract thelongitudinally movable drive member should the motor 505 becomedisabled. The bailout assembly may include a lever or bailout handleassembly that is stored within the handle assembly 500 under areleasable door 550. See FIG. 2. The lever may be configured to bemanually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with the teeth in the drivemember. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member byusing the bailout handle assembly to ratchet the drive member in theproximal direction “PD”. U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, entitled POWEREDSURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRINGSYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein, discloses bailout arrangements and other components,arrangements and systems that may also be employed with any one of thevarious interchangeable surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly1000 includes a surgical end effector 1500 that comprises a first jaw1600 and a second jaw 1800. In one arrangement, the first jaw 1600comprises an elongate channel 1602 that is configured to operablysupport a surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700 therein. The secondjaw 1800 comprises an anvil 1810 that is pivotally supported relative tothe elongate channel 1602. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly1000 includes an articulation system 1300 that comprises an articulationjoint 1302 and an articulation lock 1400 (FIGS. 4-6) which can beconfigured to releasably hold the surgical end effector 1500 in adesired articulated position relative to a shaft axis SA₁.

As can be further seen in FIGS. 4 and 7-9, the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly 1000 includes a tool frame assembly 1200 that comprises atool chassis 1210 that operably supports a nozzle assembly 1240 thereon.In one form, the nozzle assembly 1240 is comprised of nozzle portions1242, 1244 as well as an actuator wheel portion 1246 that is configuredto be coupled to the assembled nozzle portions 1242, 1244 by snaps,lugs, and/or screws, for example. The interchangeable surgical toolassembly 1000 includes a proximal closure assembly 1900 which isoperably coupled to a distal closure assembly 2000 that is utilized toclose and/or open the anvil 1810 of the surgical end effector 1500 aswill be discussed in further detail below. In addition, theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a spine assembly1250 that operably supports the proximal closure assembly 1900 and iscoupled to the surgical end effector 1500. In various circumstances, forease of assembly, the spine assembly 1250 may be fabricated from anupper spine segment 1251 and a lower spine segment 1252 that areinterconnected together by snap features, adhesives, and/or welds, forexample. In assembled form, the spine assembly 1250 includes a proximalend 1253 that is rotatably supported in the tool chassis 1210. In onearrangement, for example, the proximal end 1253 of the spine assembly1250 is attached to a spine bearing that is configured to be supportedwithin the tool chassis 1210. Such an arrangement facilitates therotatable attachment of the spine assembly 1250 to the tool chassis 1210such that the spine assembly 1250 may be selectively rotated about theshaft axis SA₁ relative to the tool chassis 1210. In particular, in atleast one arrangement, the proximal end 1253 of the spine assembly 1250includes an upper lug seat 1254 (FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10) and a lowerlug seat that are each configured to receive a corresponding nozzle lug1245 extending inwardly from each of the nozzle portions 1242, 1244, forexample. Such an arrangement facilitates the rotation of the spineassembly 1250 about the shaft axis SA₁ by rotating the actuator wheelportion 1246 of the nozzle assembly 1240.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the spine assembly 1250 furtherincludes an intermediate spine shaft segment 1256 that has a diameterthat is less than the diameter of the proximal end 1253 of the spineassembly 1250. The intermediate spine shaft segment 1256 of the upperspine segment 1251 terminates in an upper lug mount feature 1260 and theintermediate spine shaft segment of the lower spine segment 1252terminates in a lower lug mount feature 1270. As can be seen in FIG. 6,the upper lug mount feature 1260 is formed with a lug slot 1262 thereinthat is adapted to mountingly support an upper mounting link 1264therein. Similarly, the lower lug mount feature 1270 is formed with alug slot 1272 therein that is adapted to mountingly support a lowermounting link 1274 therein. The upper mounting link 1264 includes apivot socket 1266 therein that is offset from the shaft axis SA₁. Thepivot socket 1266 is adapted to rotatably receive therein a pivot pin1634 that is formed on a channel cap or anvil retainer 1630 that isattached to a proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602.The lower mounting link 1274 includes a lower pivot pin 1276 that isadapted to be received within a pivot hole 1611 formed in the proximalend portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. See FIG. 6. The lowerpivot pin 1276 as well as the pivot hole 1611 is offset from the shaftaxis SA₁. The lower pivot pin 1276 is vertically aligned with the pivotsocket 1266 to define an articulation axis AA₁ about which the surgicalend effector 1500 may articulate relative to the shaft axis SA₁.Although the articulation axis AA₁ is transverse to the shaft axis SA₁,the articulation axis AA₁ is laterally offset therefrom and does notintersect the shaft axis SA₁.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 15, the anvil 1810 includes an anvil body1812 that terminates in anvil mounting portion 1820. The anvil mountingportion 1820 is movably or pivotably supported on the elongate channel1602 for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed anvilpivot axis PA₁ (FIG. 15) that is transverse to the shaft axis SA₁. Apivot member or anvil trunnion 1822 extends laterally out of eachlateral side of the anvil mounting portion 1820 to be received in acorresponding trunnion cradle 1614 formed in the upstanding walls 1612of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. The anviltrunnions 1822 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnioncradle 1614 by the channel cap or anvil retainer 1630. The channel capor anvil retainer 1630 includes a pair of attachment lugs 1636 that areconfigured to be retainingly received within corresponding lug groovesor notches 1616 formed in the upstanding walls 1612 of the proximal endportion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602.

The surgical end effector 1500 is selectively articulable about thearticulation axis AA₁ by the articulation system 1300. In one form, thearticulation system 1300 includes a proximal articulation driver 1310that is pivotally coupled to an articulation link 1320. As can be seenin FIG. 6, an offset attachment lug 1314 is formed on a distal end 1312of the proximal articulation driver 1310. A pivot hole 1316 is formed inthe offset attachment lug 1314 and is configured to pivotally receivetherein a proximal link pin 1326 formed on the proximal end 1325 of thearticulation link 1320. A distal end 1322 of the articulation link 1320includes a pivot hole 1324 that is configured to pivotally receivetherein a channel pin 1618 formed on the proximal end portion 1610 ofthe elongate channel 1602. Thus, axial movement of the proximalarticulation driver 1310 will apply articulation motions to the elongatechannel 1602 to articulate the surgical end effector 1500 about thearticulation axis AA₁ relative to the spine assembly 1250.

Movement of the anvil 1810 relative to the elongate channel 1602 iseffectuated by axial movement of the proximal closure assembly 1900 andthe distal closure assembly 2000. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 7, theproximal closure assembly 1900 comprises a proximal closure tube 1910that has a proximal closure tube portion 1920 and a distal portion 1930.The distal portion 1930 has a diameter that is less than the diameter ofthe proximal closure tube portion 1920. The proximal end 1922 of theproximal closure tube portion 1920 is rotatably supported in a closureshuttle 1940 which is slidably supported within the tool chassis 1210such that the closure shuttle 1940 may be axially moved relative to thetool chassis 1210. In one form, the closure shuttle 1940 includes a pairof proximally-protruding hooks 1942 that are configured to be attachedto the attachment pin 516 that is attached to the closure linkageassembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. The proximal end 1922 of theproximal closure tube portion 1920 is rotatably coupled to the closureshuttle 1940. For example, a U-shaped connector 1944 is inserted into anannular slot 1924 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920 and isretained within vertical slots 1946 in the closure shuttle 1940. Such anarrangement serves to attach the proximal closure assembly 1900 to theclosure shuttle 1940 for axial travel therewith while enabling theproximal closure assembly 1900 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle1940 about the shaft axis SA₁. A closure spring 1948 (FIGS. 12-14)extends over the proximal closure tube portion 1920 to bias the closureshuttle 1940 in the proximal direction PD which can serve to pivot theclosure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 (FIG. 2) into theunactuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a distal portion 1930 of the proximalclosure tube 1910 is attached to the distal closure assembly 2000. Thedistal closure assembly 2000 includes an articulation connector 2010that is coupled to a distal closure tube segment 2030. The distalclosure tube segment 2030 has a diameter that is larger than thediameter of the distal portion 1930 of the proximal closure tube 1910.The articulation connector 2010 has a proximally extending end portion2012 that is adapted to be received on a connection flange 1934 formedon the distal end of the distal portion 1930. The articulation connector2010 may be retained on the connection flange 1934 by an appropriatefastener arrangement, adhesive, and/or welds, for example. Thearticulation connector 2010 includes upper and lower tangs 2014, 2016that protrude distally from a distal end of the articulation connector2010 that are movably coupled to an end effector closure sleeve, ordistal closure tube segment, 2030. The distal closure tube segment 2030includes an upper tang 2032 and a lower tang that protrude proximallyfrom a proximal end thereof. An upper double pivot link 2060 includesproximal and distal pins 2061, 2062 that engage corresponding holes2015, 2034 in the upper tangs 2014, 2032 of the articulation connector2010 and distal closure tube segment 2030, respectively. Similarly, alower double pivot link 2064 includes proximal and distal pins 2065,2066 that engage corresponding holes 2019 in the lower tangs 2016 of thearticulation connector 2010 and distal closure tube segment 2030,respectively. As will be discussed in further detail below, distal andproximal axial translation of the proximal closure assembly 1900 anddistal closure assembly 2000 will result in the closing and opening ofthe anvil 1810 relative to the elongate channel 1602.

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 further includes afiring system generally designated as 2100. The firing system 2100includes a firing member assembly 2110 that is supported for axialtravel within the spine assembly 1250. The firing member assembly 2110includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 that is configured tobe attached to a distal cutting portion, or knife bar, 2130. The firingmember assembly 2110 may also be referred to herein as a “second shaft”and/or a “second shaft assembly”. As can be seen in FIG. 5, theintermediate firing shaft portion 2120 may include a longitudinal slot2124 in a distal end 2122 thereof which can be configured to receive aproximal end 2132 of the knife bar 2130. The longitudinal slot 2124 andthe proximal end 2132 of the knife bar 2130 are sized and configured topermit relative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint2134. The slip joint 2134 can permit the intermediate firing shaftportion 2120 of the firing member assembly 2110 to be moved toarticulate the end effector 1500 without moving, or at leastsubstantially moving, the knife bar 2130. Once the end effector 1500 hasbeen suitably oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 canbe advanced distally until a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot2124 comes into contact with a portion of the knife bar 2130 to advancethe knife bar 2130 and fire the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700positioned within the elongate channel 1602. A proximal end 2127 of theintermediate firing shaft portion 2120 has a firing shaft attachment lug2128 formed thereon (FIG. 8) that is configured to be seated into anattachment cradle that is on the distal end of the longitudinallymovable drive member of the firing drive system 530 within the handleassembly 500. Such an arrangement facilitates the axial movement of theintermediate firing shaft portion 2120 upon actuation of the firingdrive system 530.

Further to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can includea shifter assembly 2200 which can be configured to selectively andreleasably couple the proximal articulation driver 1310 to the firingsystem 2100. In one form, the shifter assembly 2200 includes a lockcollar, or lock sleeve 2210, positioned around the intermediate firingshaft portion 2120 of the firing system 2100 wherein the lock sleeve2210 can be rotated between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve2210 couples the proximal articulation driver 1310 to the firing memberassembly 2110 and a disengaged position in which the proximalarticulation driver 1310 is not operably coupled to the firing memberassembly 2110. When the lock sleeve 2210 is in its engaged position,distal movement of the firing member assembly 2110 can move the proximalarticulation driver 1310 distally and, correspondingly, proximalmovement of the firing member assembly 2110 can move the proximalarticulation driver 1310 proximally. When the lock sleeve 2210 is in itsdisengaged position, movement of the firing member assembly 2110 is nottransmitted to the proximal articulation driver 1310 and, as a result,the firing member assembly 2110 can move independently of the proximalarticulation driver 1310. In various circumstances, the proximalarticulation driver 1310 can be held in position by the articulationlock 1400 when the proximal articulation driver 1310 is not being movedin the proximal or distal directions by the firing member assembly 2110.

The intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the firing member assembly2110 is formed with two opposed flat sides 2121, 2123 with a drive notch2126 formed therein. See FIG. 8. As can also be seen in FIG. 13, thelock sleeve 2210 comprises a cylindrical, or an at least substantiallycylindrical, body that includes a longitudinal aperture 2212 that isconfigured to receive the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 therethrough. The lock sleeve 2210 comprises diametrically-opposed,inwardly-facing lock protrusions 2214, 2216 that, when the lock sleeve2210 is in one position, are engagingly received within correspondingportions of the drive notch 2126 in the intermediate firing shaftportion 2120 and, when in another position, are not received within thedrive notch 2126 to thereby permit relative axial motion between thelock sleeve 2210 and the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 12-14, the lock sleeve 2210 furtherincludes a lock member 2218 that is sized to be movably received withina notch 1319 in a proximal end 1318 of the proximal articulation driver1310. Such an arrangement permits the lock sleeve 2210 to slightlyrotate into and out of engagement with the intermediate firing shaftportion 2120 while remaining in engagement with the notch 1319 in theproximal articulation driver 1310. For example, when the lock sleeve2210 is in its engaged position, the lock protrusions 2214, 2216 arepositioned within the drive notch 2126 in the intermediate firing shaftportion 2120 such that a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pullingforce can be transmitted from the firing member assembly 2110 to thelock sleeve 2210. Such axial pushing or pulling motion is thentransmitted from the lock sleeve 2210 to the proximal articulationdriver 1310 to thereby articulate the surgical end effector 1500. Ineffect, the firing member assembly 2110, the lock sleeve 2210, and theproximal articulation driver 1310 will move together when the locksleeve 2210 is in its engaged (articulation) position. On the otherhand, when the lock sleeve 2210 is in its disengaged position, the lockprotrusions 2214, 2216 are not received within the drive notch 2126 inthe intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 and, as a result, a distalpushing force and/or a proximal pulling force may not be transmittedfrom the firing member assembly 2110 to the lock sleeve 2210 (and theproximal articulation driver 1310).

Relative movement of the lock sleeve 2210 between its engaged anddisengaged positions may be controlled by a shifter assembly 2200 thatinterfaces with the proximal closure tube 1910 of the proximal closureassembly 1900. More specifically and with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9,the shifter assembly 2200 further includes a shifter key 2240 that isconfigured to be slidably received within a key groove 2217 formed inthe outer perimeter of the lock sleeve 2210. Such an arrangement enablesthe shifter key 2240 to move axially with respect to the lock sleeve2210. Referring to FIGS. 8-11, the shifter key 2240 includes an actuatorlug 2242 that extends through a cam slot or cam opening 1926 in theproximal closure tube portion 1920. See FIG. 9. A cam surface 2243 isalso provided adjacent the actuator lug 2242 which is configured tocammingly interact with the cam opening 1926 so as to cause the shifterkey 2240 to rotate in response to axial motion of the proximal closuretube portion 1920.

The shifter assembly 2200 further includes a switch drum 2220 that isrotatably received on a proximal end portion of the proximal closuretube portion 1920. As can be seen in FIGS. 10-14, the actuator lug 2242extends through an axial slot segment 2222 in the switch drum 2220 andis movably received within an arcuate slot segment 2224 in the switchdrum 2220. A switch drum torsion spring 2226 (FIGS. 12-14) is mounted onthe switch drum 2220 and engages nozzle portion 1244 to apply atorsional bias or rotation (arrow SR in FIGS. 10 and 11) which serves torotate the switch drum 2220 until the actuator lug 2242 reaches the endof the arcuate slot segment 2224. See FIGS. 11 and 12. When in thisposition, the switch drum 2220 may provide a torsional bias to theshifter key 2240 which thereby causes the lock sleeve 2210 to rotateinto its engaged position with the intermediate firing shaft portion2120. This position also corresponds to the unactuated configuration ofthe proximal closure assembly 1900. In one arrangement, for example, theactuator lug 2242 is located in the upper portion of the cam opening1926 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920 when the proximal closureassembly 1900 is in an unactuated configuration (anvil 1810 is in anopen position spaced away from the surgical staple/fastener cartridge1700). When in that position, the actuation of the intermediate firingshaft portion 2120 will result in the axial movement of the proximalarticulation driver 1310. Once the user has articulated the surgical endeffector 1500 to a desired orientation, the user may then actuate theproximal closure assembly 1900. The actuation of the proximal closureassembly 1900 will result in the distal travel of the proximal closuretube portion 1920 to ultimately apply a closing motion to the anvil1810. This distal travel of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 willresult in the cam opening 1926 cammingly interacting with the camsurface 2243 on the actuator lug 2242 to thereby cause the shifter key2240 to rotate the lock sleeve 2210 in an actuation direction AD. Suchrotation of the lock sleeve 2210 will result in the disengagement of thelock protrusions 2214, 2216 from the drive notch 2126 in theintermediate firing shaft portion 2120. When in such a configuration,the firing drive system 530 may be actuated to actuate the intermediatefiring shaft portion 2120 without actuating the proximal articulationdriver 1310. Further details concerning the operation of the switch drum2220 and lock sleeve 2210, as well as alternative articulation andfiring drive arrangements that may be employed with the variousinterchangeable surgical tool assemblies described herein, may be foundin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/019,196, filed Feb. 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Referring again to FIGS. 8-13, the switch drum 2220 can further compriseat least partially circumferential openings 2228, 2230 defined thereinwhich can receive circumferential lugs/mounts 1245 that extend from thenozzle portions 1242, 1244 and permit relative rotation, but nottranslation, between the switch drum 2220 and the nozzle assembly 1240.The nozzle lugs 1245 extend through corresponding openings 1923 in theproximal closure tube portion 1920 to be seated in lug seats 1254 in thespine assembly 1250. See FIGS. 8 and 9. Such an arrangement enables theuser to rotate the spine assembly 1250 about the shaft axis by rotatingthe nozzle assembly 1240.

As also illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 12-14, the interchangeable toolassembly 1000 can comprise a slip ring assembly 1230 which can beconfigured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the surgical endeffector 1500 and/or communicate signals to and/or from the surgical endeffector 1500, back to a microprocessor 560 (FIG. 2) in the handleassembly 500 or a robotic system controller, for example. Furtherdetails concerning the slip ring assembly 1230 and associated connectorsmay be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitledARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/019,196, filed Feb. 9, 2016, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT,which have each been herein incorporated by reference in theirrespective entirety as well as in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. As alsodescribed in further detail in the aforementioned patent applicationsthat have been incorporated by reference herein, the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly 1000 can also comprise at least one sensor thatis configured to detect the position of the switch drum 2220.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the tool chassis 1210 includes at least onetapered attachment portion 1212 formed thereon that is adapted to bereceived within a corresponding dovetail slot 507 formed within thedistal end portion of the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500.Various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies employ a latch system1220 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly1000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. In at least oneform, as can be seen in FIG. 7, the latch system 1220 includes a lockmember or lock yoke 1222 that is movably coupled to the tool chassis1210, for example. The lock yoke 1222 has a U-shape with two spaceddownwardly extending legs 1223. The legs 1223 each have a pivot lugformed thereon that are adapted to be received in corresponding holesformed in the tool chassis 1210. Such an arrangement facilitates thepivotal attachment of the lock yoke 1222 to the tool chassis 1210. Thelock yoke 1222 may include two proximally protruding lock lugs 1224 thatare configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock detentsor grooves 509 in the distal end of the handle frame 506 of the handleassembly 500. See FIG. 2. In various forms, the lock yoke 1222 is biasedin the proximal direction by a spring or biasing member 1225. Actuationof the lock yoke 1222 may be accomplished by a latch button 1226 that isslidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1221 that is mounted tothe tool chassis 1210. The latch button 1226 may be biased in a proximaldirection relative to the lock yoke 1222. The lock yoke 1222 may bemoved to an unlocked position by biasing the latch button 1226 in thedistal direction which also causes the lock yoke 1222 to pivot out ofretaining engagement with the distal end of the handle frame 506. Whenthe lock yoke 1222 is in “retaining engagement” with the distal end ofthe handle frame 506, the lock lugs 1224 are retainingly seated withinthe corresponding lock detents or grooves 509 in the distal end of thehandle frame 506.

The lock yoke 1222 includes at least one lock hook 1227 that is adaptedto contact corresponding a lock lug portion 1943 that is formed on theclosure shuttle 1940. When the closure shuttle 1940 is in an unactuatedposition, the lock yoke 1222 may be pivoted in a distal direction tounlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 from the handleassembly 500. When in that position, the lock hooks 1227 do not contactthe lock lug portions 1943 on the closure shuttle 1940. However, whenthe closure shuttle 1940 is moved to an actuated position, the lock yoke1222 is prevented from being pivoted to an unlocked position. Statedanother way, if the clinician were to attempt to pivot the lock yoke1222 to an unlocked position or, for example, the lock yoke 1222 wasinadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise causeit to pivot distally, the lock hooks 1227 on the lock yoke 1222 willcontact the lock lug portions 1943 on the closure shuttle 1940 andprevent movement of the lock yoke 1222 to an unlocked position.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the knife bar 2130 may comprise a laminatedbeam structure that includes at least two beam layers. Such beam layersmay comprise, for example, stainless steel bands that are interconnectedby welds and/or pins, for example, at the proximal ends and/or at otherlocations along the length thereof. In alternative embodiments, thedistal ends of the bands are not connected together to allow thelaminates or bands to splay relative to each other when the end effectoris articulated. Such an arrangement permits the knife bar 2130 to besufficiently flexible to accommodate articulation of the end effector.Various laminated knife bar arrangements are disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITHCLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. As can also be seen in FIG. 6, a firing shaftsupport assembly 2300 is employed to provide lateral support to theknife bar 2130 as it flexes to accommodate articulation of the surgicalend effector 1500. Further details concerning the operation of thefiring shaft support assembly 2300 and alternative knife bar supportarrangements may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTIONARRANGEMENTS and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE ENDEFFECTOR, which are each hereby incorporated by reference herein intheir respective entireties.

As can also be seen in FIG. 6, a firing member or knife member 2140 isattached to the distal end of the knife bar 2130. In one exemplary form,the firing member 2140 comprises a body portion 2142 that supports aknife or tissue cutting portion 2144. The body portion 2142 protrudesthrough an elongate slot 1604 in the elongate channel 1602 andterminates in a foot member 2146 that extends laterally on each side ofthe body portion 2142. As the firing member 2140 is driven distallythrough the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700, the foot member2146 rides within a passage in the elongate channel 1602 that is locatedunder the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700. In one arrangement,the body portion 2142 includes two laterally protruding central tabs2145 that may ride above the central passage within the surgicalstaple/fastener cartridge 1700. See FIG. 6. The tissue cutting portion2144 is disposed between a distally protruding top nose portion 2143 andthe foot member 2146. As can be further seen in FIG. 6, the firingmember 2140 may further include two laterally extending top tabs, pinsor anvil engagement features 2147. As the firing member 2140 is drivendistally, a top portion of the body portion 2142 extends through acentrally disposed anvil slot 1814 and the anvil engagement features2147 ride on corresponding anvil ledges 1816 formed on each side of theanvil slot 1814. To facilitate assembly of the anvil 1810 and firingmember 2140 arrangement, in one arrangement, the top of the anvil body1812 has an opening 1817 therein. Once the anvil 1810 is assembled ontothe elongate channel 1602 and the firing member 2140 is installed, theopening 1817 is covered by an anvil cap 1819 that is affixed to theanvil body 1812 by welds and/or other suitable fastening means.

Returning to FIG. 6, the firing member 2140 is configured to operablyinterface with a sled assembly 2150 that is operably supported within abody 1702 of the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700. The sledassembly 2150 is slidably displaceable within the surgicalstaple/fastener cartridge body 1702 from a proximal starting positionadjacent the proximal end 1704 of the cartridge body 1702 to an endingposition adjacent a distal end 1706 of the cartridge body 1702. Thecartridge body 1702 operably supports therein a plurality of stapledrivers that are aligned in rows on each side of a centrally disposedslot 1708. The centrally disposed slot 1708 enables the firing member2140 to pass there through and cut the tissue that is clamped betweenthe anvil 1810 and the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700. Thedrivers are associated with corresponding staple/fastener pockets 1712that open through an upper deck surface 1710 of the cartridge body 1702.Each of the staple drivers supports one or more surgical staples orfasteners thereon. The sled assembly 2150 includes a plurality of slopedor wedge-shaped cams 2152 wherein each cam 2152 corresponds to aparticular line of fasteners or drivers located on a side of the slot1708.

To attach the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the handleassembly 500, referring to FIG. 2, the clinician may position the toolchassis 1210 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 above oradjacent to the distal end of the handle frame 506 such that the taperedattachment portions 1212 formed on the tool chassis 1210 are alignedwith the dovetail slots 507 in the handle frame 506. The clinician maythen move the surgical tool assembly 1000 along an installation axis IAthat is perpendicular to the shaft axis SA₁ to seat the taperedattachment portions 1212 in “operable engagement” with the correspondingdovetail receiving slots 507 in the distal end of the handle frame 506.In doing so, the firing shaft attachment lug 2128 on the intermediatefiring shaft portion 2120 will also be seated in the attachment cradlein the longitudinally movable drive member within the handle assembly500 and the portions of attachment pin 516 on the closure link 514 willbe seated in the corresponding hooks 1942 in the closure shuttle 1940.As used herein, the term “operable engagement” in the context of twocomponents means that the two components are sufficiently engaged witheach other so that, upon the application of an actuation motion thereto,the components carry out their intended action, function, and/orprocedure.

During a typical surgical procedure, a clinician may introduce thesurgical end effector 1500 into the surgical site through a trocar, orother opening in a patient, to access the target tissue. When doing so,the clinician axially aligns, or at least substantially aligns, thesurgical end effector 1500 in an unarticulated state along the shaftaxis and inserts the surgical end effector 1500 through the trocar. Oncethe surgical end effector 1500 has passed through the trocar, theclinician may need to articulate the end effector 1500 to advantageouslyposition the end effector 1500 adjacent the target tissue. Further tothe above, the firing drive system 530 is operated through a limitedrange of motion to move the articulation driver 1310 and articulate theend effector 1500. Such articulation occurs prior to closing the anvilonto the target tissue. Once the end effector has attained the desiredarticulated position, the clinician may then actuate the closure drivesystem 510 to close the anvil 1810 onto the target tissue. Suchactuation of the closure drive system 510 actuates the shifter assembly2200 and delinks the articulation driver 1310 from the intermediatefiring shaft portion 2120. Thus, once the target tissue has beensuitably captured in the surgical end effector 1500, the clinician mayonce again actuate the firing drive system 530 to axially advance thefiring member 2140 through the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700to fire the staples into and cut the target tissue. Other closure andfiring drive arrangements, such as handheld, manual, automated, and/orrobotic arrangements, for example, may be employed to control the axialmovement of the closure system components, the articulation systemcomponents, and/or the firing system components of the surgical toolassembly 1000.

An end effector 10500 of a surgical instrument 10000 is illustrated inFIGS. 16-16B. The end effector 10500 comprises a cartridge jaw 10600(FIG. 18) including a staple cartridge 10700 and, in addition, an anvil10800 configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge10700. In use, the anvil 10800 is rotatable between an open, unclampedposition and a closed, clamped position; however, the cartridge jaw10600 can be rotatable toward the anvil 10800 in other embodiments. Thesurgical instrument 10000 further comprises a shaft 10100 wherein theend effector 10500 is rotatably connected to the shaft 10100 about anarticulation joint 10200. In use, the end effector 10500 is rotatableabout the articulation joint 10200 between a fully-articulated rightposition (FIG. 16A), indicated by angle ⊖_(R), and a fully-articulatedleft position (FIG. 16B), indicated by angle ⊖_(L)—and/or any suitableposition there between. As discussed in greater detail below, the angles⊖_(R) and ⊖_(L) are limited by the design of the articulation drivesystem of the surgical instrument 10000. In at least one instance theangles ⊖_(R) and ⊖_(L) are limited to approximately 45 degrees withrespect to the unarticulated position of the end effector 10500 (FIG.16).

Referring to FIG. 18, the shaft 10100 of the surgical instrument 10000comprises an outer closure tube including an outer housing 10110 whichis movable distally to engage the anvil 10800 and move the anvil 10800toward the staple cartridge 10700. The shaft 10100 further comprises adistal housing portion 10130 rotatably connected to the outer housing10110 by two connector plates 10120 positioned on opposite sides of thearticulation joint 10200. Each connector plate 10120 is connected to theouter housing 10110 at a pivot 10115 and, similarly, to the distalhousing portion 10130 at a pivot 10125. The connector plates 10120permit the closure tube to slide relative to the articulation joint10200 when the end effector 10500 is in an articulated position and, asa result, the anvil 10800 can be opened and closed while the endeffector 10500 is in an articulated position. Further to the above, thedistal housing 10130 comprises an opening defined therein configured toreceive a tab extending from the proximal end of the anvil 10800—asidewall of which is configured to engage the tab and transfer aproximal, or opening motion, of the closure tube to the anvil 10800.

An end effector 11500 of a surgical instrument 11000 is illustrated inFIGS. 17-17B. The end effector 11500 comprises a cartridge jaw 11600(FIG. 19) including a staple cartridge 11700 and, in addition, an anvil11800 configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge11700. In use, the anvil 11800 is rotatable between an open, unclampedposition and a closed, clamped position; however, embodiments areenvisioned in which the cartridge jaw 11600 is movable relative to theanvil 11800. The surgical instrument 11000 further comprises a shaft11100 wherein the end effector 11500 is rotatably connected to the shaft11100 about an articulation joint 11200. In use, the end effector 11500is rotatable about the articulation joint 11200 between afully-articulated right position (FIG. 17A), indicated by angle α_(R),and a fully-articulated left position (FIG. 17B), indicated by angleα_(L)—and/or any suitable position there between. Although the anglesα_(R) and α_(L) are ultimately limited by the design of the articulationdrive system of the surgical instrument 11000, the angles α_(R) andα_(L) are larger. In at least one instance the angles α_(R) and α_(L)are approximately 60 degrees with respect to the unarticulated positionof the end effector 11500 (FIG. 17), for example.

Referring to FIG. 19, the shaft 11100 of the surgical instrument 11000comprises an outer closure tube including an outer housing 11110 whichis movable distally to engage the anvil 11800 and move the anvil 11800toward the staple cartridge 11700. The shaft 11100 further comprises adistal housing 11130 rotatably connected to the outer housing 11110 bytwo connector plates 11120 positioned on opposite sides of thearticulation joint 11200. Each connector plate 11120 is connected to theouter housing 11110 at a pivot 11115 and, similarly, to the distalhousing 11130 at a pivot 11125. Similar to the above, the connectorplates 11120 permit the closure tube to slide relative to thearticulation joint 11200 when the end effector 11500 is in anarticulated position wherein, as a result, the anvil 11800 can be openedand closed while the end effector 11500 is in an articulated position.Further to the above, the distal housing 11130 comprises an openingdefined therein configured to receive a tab extending from the proximalend of the anvil 11800—a sidewall of which is configured to engage thetab and transfer a proximal, or opening, motion of the closure tube tothe anvil 11800.

Referring again to FIG. 18, the surgical instrument 10000 furthercomprises an articulation drive system 10300 including an articulationdrive actuator 10310 extending through an interior aperture 10105defined within the closure tube 10110 of the shaft 10100. Thearticulation drive actuator 10310 comprises a distal end operablyengaged with the cartridge jaw 10600 of the end effector 10500. Morespecifically, the distal end of the articulation drive actuator 10310comprises an opening, or slot, 10320 defined therein and the cartridgejaw 10600 comprises a pin 10620 extending into the slot 10320. When thearticulation drive actuator 10310 is pushed distally, the end effector10500 is driven to the right (FIG. 16A) about a fixed axis defined by apivot 10210 which rotatably connects the cartridge jaw 10600 to a frameof the shaft 10100. Correspondingly, the end effector 10500 is rotatedto the left (FIG. 16B) about the pivot 10210 when the articulation driveactuator 10310 is pulled proximally.

Referring again to FIG. 19, the surgical instrument 11000 furthercomprises an articulation drive system 11300 including an articulationdrive actuator 11310 extending through an interior aperture 11105defined within the closure tube 11110. The articulation drive system11300 further comprises an articulation link 11320 rotatably coupled toa distal end of the articulation drive actuator 11310 about a pin 11315.Similarly, the articulation link 11320 is rotatably coupled to thecartridge jaw 11600 about a drive pin 11620 which extends through anaperture defined in the articulation link 11320. When the articulationdrive actuator 11310 is pushed distally, the end effector 11500 isdriven to the right (FIG. 17A) about a fixed axis defined by a pivot11210 which rotatably connects the cartridge jaw 11600 to a frame of theshaft 11100. Correspondingly, the end effector 11500 is rotated to theleft (FIG. 17B) about the pivot 11210 when the articulation driveactuator 11310 is pulled proximally.

Further to the above, the articulation link 11320 of the articulationsystem 11300 allows the end effector 11500 to be articulated through alarger range of articulation angles than the end effector 10500 for agiven, or equal, stroke length of the articulation actuators 10310 and11310. A side-by-side comparison of the end effectors 10500 and 11500 isprovided in FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrating the end effectors 10500 and11500 in their fully right-articulated configurations—and alsoillustrating that the end effector 11500 can be articulated further tothe right than the end effector 10500. A similar comparison can be madeshowing the end effectors 10500 and 11500 in their fullyleft-articulated configurations. Moreover, FIG. 22 depicts the fullarticulation range of the end effector 10500 while FIG. 23 depicts thefull articulation range of the end effector 11500.

Referring again to FIG. 22, the articulation actuator 10310 of thesurgical instrument 10000 is advanced a distal stroke length (DSL) withrespect to its unarticulated position to fully articulate the endeffector 10500 to the right. Correspondingly, the articulation actuator10310 is retracted a proximal stroke length (PSL) with respect to itsunarticulated position to fully articulate the end effector 10500 to theleft. The distal stroke length (DSL) and the proximal stroke length(PSL) of the articulation actuator 10310 are equal, or at leastsubstantially equal. Referring now to FIG. 23, the articulation actuator11310 is advanced a distal stroke length (DSL) with respect to itsunarticulated position to fully articulate the end effector 11500 to theright. Correspondingly, the articulation actuator 11310 is retracted aproximal stroke length (PSL) with respect to its unarticulated positionto fully articulate the end effector 11500 to the left. The distalstroke length (DSL) and the proximal stroke length (PSL) of thearticulation actuator 11310 are not equal—instead, the distal strokelength (DSL) is shorter than the proximal stroke length (PSL). In otherembodiments, the proximal stroke length (DSL) is shorter than the distalstroke length (PSL). In any event, referring now to FIGS. 31-31B, thecombination of the proximal stroke length (PSL) and the distal strokelength (DSL) equals the entire stroke length (SL).

Further to the above, the articulation actuator 10310 is configured toapply a torque to the first jaw 10600 of the end effector 10500 via thepin 10620 to rotate the end effector 10500 about the articulation joint10200. Referring again to FIG. 22, a lateral torque arm defined betweenthe pivot joint 10210 of the articulation joint 10200 and the pin 10620has a length TA_(C1) when the end effector 10500 is in its unarticulatedposition. The length TA_(C1) is measured in an orthogonal direction withrespect to a longitudinal axis 10190 extending through the articulationpivot joint 10210. Similarly, the lateral torque arm defined between thepivot joint 10210 and the pin 10620 has a length TA_(R1) when the endeffector 10500 is fully articulated to the right and, similarly, alength TA_(L1) when the end effector 10500 is fully articulated to theleft—both lengths of which are measured orthogonally with respect to thelongitudinal axis 10190. Notably, the lengths TA_(R1) and TA_(L1), andthe torque arms which they define, are equal, or at least substantiallyequal. Moreover, the lengths TA_(R1) and TA_(L1) are less than theunarticulated lateral torque arm length TA_(C1). Thus, the largesttorque arm, or mechanical advantage, of the articulation system 10300exists when the end effector 10500 is in its unarticulated position.

In at least one instance, the arm length TA_(C1) is approximately0.180″, the arm length TA_(R1) is approximately 0.130″, and the armlength TA_(L1) is approximately 0.130″, for example.

Further to the above, the articulation actuator 11310 of the surgicalinstrument 11000 is configured to apply a torque to the first jaw 11600of the end effector 11500 via the pin 11620 to rotate the end effector11500 about the articulation joint 11200. Referring to FIGS. 23, 28, and30, a lateral torque arm (LTA) defined between the pivot joint 11210 ofthe articulation joint 11200 and the pin 11620 is defined by a lengthTA_(C2) when the end effector 11500 is in its unarticulated position.The length TA_(C2) is measured in an orthogonal direction with respectto a longitudinal axis 11190 extending through the articulation pivotjoint 11210. Notably, the longitudinal axis 11190 is offset and parallelwith respect to the centerline of the shaft 11100, as discussed ingreater detail below in connection with FIG. 25. Similar to the above,the lateral torque arm defined between the pivot joint 11210 and the pin11620 is defined by a length TA_(R2) when the end effector 11500 isfully articulated to the right (FIG. 30A) and, similarly, a lengthTA_(L2) when the end effector 11500 is fully articulated to the left(FIG. 30B)—both lengths of which are measured orthogonally with respectto the longitudinal axis 11190. Notably, the length TA_(R2) is largerthan the unarticulated lateral torque arm length TA_(C1) and the lengthTA_(L2) is shorter than the unarticulated lateral torque arm lengthTA_(C1). Moreover, the lengths TA_(R2) and TA_(L2), and the torque armswhich they define, are not equal. Instead, the right-articulated torquearm length TA_(R2) is considerably larger than the left-articulatedtorque arm length TA_(L2). In fact, the right-articulated torque armlength TA_(R2) and the left-articulated torque arm length TA_(L2) extendin different directions. Such an arrangement provides for a largerpushing torque arm as compared to a smaller pulling torque arm. Invarious instances, as a result, the retraction pulling force applied bythe articulation actuator 11310 to articulate the end effector 11500 tothe left (FIG. 30B) may be, or may need to be, larger than the distalpushing force to articulate the end effector 11500 to the right (FIGS.29 and 30A). Advantageously, the articulation actuator 11310 canaccommodate such a larger pulling force as the articulation actuator11310 is not subject to buckling failure when being pulled.

In at least one instance, the arm length TA_(C2) is approximately0.149″, the arm length TA_(R2) is approximately 0.154″, and the armlength TA_(L2) is approximately 0.015″, for example.

Further to the above, the surgical instrument 11000 is configured andarranged to provide a large torque to the end effector 11500 while, atthe same time, providing a large articulation range, or sweep, inresponse to a short articulation stroke. To wit, several design ratiosfor these relationships can be established and used to design thesurgical instrument 11000. For instance, a first ratio comprises thefully-right articulated torque arm length (TA) divided by the fullarticulation stroke length (SL) of the articulation actuator 11310. Thevalue of this first ratio is unitless. In at least one instance, thefully-right articulated torque arm length (TA) is 0.154″ and the fullarticulation stroke length (SL) is 0.275″, resulting in a ratio value of0.56, for example. Larger ratio values for the first ratio indicate moreefficient articulation systems. In various instances, the value for thefirst ratio is less than 1.0, but can be more than 1.0. In at least oneinstance, the fully-right articulated torque arm length (TA) is 2.79 mmand the full articulation stroke length (SL) is 11.43 mm, resulting in aratio value of 0.24, for example.

The examples provided above for the first ratio were based on the torquearm length (TA) when the end effector 11500 is in its fully-rightarticulated position. This particular position of the end effector 11500is notable because the articulation actuator 11310 is in compression andcan undergo buckling when the load transmitted there through isexcessive. That said, the first ratio could also be used to analyze anysuitable position of the end effector 11500 such as its unarticulatedposition and its fully-left articulated position, for example. In atleast one instance, the unarticulated torque arm length (TA) is 6.17 mm,resulting in a ratio value of 0.54 for a stroke length (SL) of 11.43 mm,for example. Also, in at least one instance, the fully-left articulatedtorque arm length (TA) is 1.41 mm, resulting in a ratio value of 0.12for a stroke length (SL) of 11.43 mm, for example.

A second ratio includes the arc length in which the drive pin 11620 isswept through when the end effector 11500 is articulated between itsfully-right articulated position and its fully-left articulatedposition, i.e., its arc length sweep (ALS). More specifically, thesecond ratio comprises the arc length sweep (ALS) of the drive pin 11620divided by the full articulation stroke length (SL) of the articulationactuator 11310. The value of this second ratio is unitless. In at leastone instance, the arc length sweep (ALS) of the drive pin 11620 is0.387″ and the full articulation stroke length (SL) is 0.275″, resultingin a ratio value of 1.41, for example. In at least one instance, the arclength sweep (ALS) is 0.444″ and the full articulation stroke length(SL) is 0.306″, resulting in a ratio value of 1.45, for example. In atleast one instance, the arc length sweep (ALS) is 12.94 mm and the fullarticulation stroke length (SL) is 11.43 mm, resulting in a ratio valueof 1.13, for example. Larger ratio values for the second ratio indicatemore efficient articulation systems. In various instances, the value forthe second ratio is more than 1.0, such as between 1.0 and 3.0, forexample. In at least one instance, the second ratio value isapproximately 2.0, for example. In certain instances, the value for thesecond ratio is about 1.1, but between 0.9 and 1.3, for example.

A third ratio comprises the sum of the fully-right articulated torquearm length (TA) and the arc length sweep (ALS) of the drive pin 11620divided by the full articulation stroke length (SL). The value of thisthird ratio is unitless. In at least one instance, the fully-rightarticulated torque arm length (TA) is 0.154″, the arc length sweep (ALS)of the drive pin 11620 is 0.387″, and the full articulation strokelength (SL) is 0.275″, resulting in a ratio value of 1.97, for example.In at least one instance, the fully-right articulated torque arm length(TA) is 2.79 mm, the arc length sweep (ALS) of the drive pin 11620 is12.94 mm, and the full articulation stroke length (SL) is 11.43 mm,resulting in a ratio value of 1.38, for example. Larger ratio values forthe third ratio indicate more efficient articulation systems. In variousinstances, the value for the third ratio is more than 1.0, such asbetween 1.0 and 3.0, for example. In at least one instance, the thirdratio value is approximately 2.0 or more than 2.0, for example.

Similar to the above, the third ratio could be used to evaluate thearticulation system when the end effector 11500 is in any suitableposition, such as its unarticulated and fully-left articulatedpositions, for example.

A fourth ratio comprises the product of the fully-right articulatedtorque arm length (TA) and the arc length sweep (ALS) of the drive pin11620 divided by the full articulation stroke length (SL). The value ofthis fourth ratio is not unitless and is, instead, measured in distance.In at least one instance, the fully-right articulated torque arm length(TA) is 0.154″, the arc length sweep (ALS) of the drive pin 11620 is0.387″, and the full articulation stroke length (SL) is 0.275″,resulting in a ratio value of 0.217″, for example. This value can bemade unitless by dividing it by the stroke length (SL) once againresulting in a value of 0.79. In at least one instance, the fully-rightarticulated torque arm length (TA) is 2.79 mm, the arc length sweep(ALS) of the drive pin 11620 is 12.94 mm, and the full articulationstroke length (SL) is 11.43 mm, resulting in a ratio value of 3.15 mm,for example. In certain instances, the value for the fourth ratio isabout 3.1 mm, but between 0.9 mm and 5.4 mm, for example. Similar to theabove, this value can be made unitless by dividing it by the strokelength (SL) once again resulting in a value of 0.28. Larger ratio valuesfor the fourth ratio indicate more efficient articulation systems.

Similar to the above, the fourth ratio could be used to evaluate thearticulation system when the end effector 11500 is in any suitableposition, such as its unarticulated and fully-left articulatedpositions, for example.

As discussed above, the end effector 11500 is rotatably mounted to theshaft 11100 about a fixed pivot 11210 of the articulation joint 11200.Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 25, the shaft 11100 comprises distalmounting tabs 11220 which extend from and are fixedly mounted to theframe, or spine, of the shaft 11100. A first distal mounting tab 11220is mounted to the first jaw 11600, which comprises a lower frameportion, and a second distal mounting tab 11220 is mounted to an upperframe portion 11230. The interconnection between the mounting tabs 11220and the first jaw 11600 and upper frame portion 11230 defines the fixedpivot 11210. As also discussed above, the fixed axis pivot 11210 islaterally offset with respect to a central longitudinal axis LA of theshaft 11100 by an offset distance OD. In at least one instance, thefixed axis pivot 11210 is laterally offset by approximately 0.036″, forexample. Moreover, referring to FIGS. 28-30B, the pin 11620 islongitudinally offset with respect to the fixed pivot 11210 whichcreates a longitudinal, or axial, torque arm (ATA).

As discussed above, the closure tube of the shaft 11100 is movabledistally to engage the anvil jaw 11800 of the end effector 11500 andmove the anvil jaw 11800 toward a staple cartridge 11700 positioned inthe cartridge jaw 11600. Stated another way, the closure tube isconfigured to move the anvil 11800 from an open position (FIGS. 26-26B)to a closed position (FIGS. 27-27B) to clamp the tissue of a patientagainst the staple cartridge 11700. In such instances, the closure tube,comprising the housing 11110, the connector plates 11120, and the distalhousing 11130, are slid distally with respect to the articulation joint11200 during a closure stroke. When the end effector 11500 is in anopen, unarticulated configuration, referring now to FIG. 26, theconnector plates 11120 extend in a direction which is slightlytransverse to the central longitudinal axis LA of the shaft 11100. Morespecifically, an axis CA extending between the joints 11115 and 11125 isslightly transverse with respect to the central longitudinal axis LA ofthe shaft 11100 when the end effector 11500 is in an open, unarticulatedconfiguration. When the end effector 11500 is articulated relative tothe right (FIG. 26A) or the right (FIG. 26B), the orientation of theaxis CA relative to the central longitudinal axis LA can change.

In various instances, further to the above, the orientation of the axisCA will change relative to a longitudinal axis extending between theproximal end and the distal end of the end effector 11500. In at leastone instance, the axis CA is transverse to such a longitudinal endeffector axis except in one configuration in which the axis CA will beparallel to the longitudinal end effector axis.

Further to the above, the orientation of an axis AA defined between thearticulation pivot 11210 and the distal pivot 11125 of the connectorplates 11120 changes as the end effector 11500 is articulated. Referringto FIG. 26, the axis AA extends at an angle β with respect to the axisCA when the end effector 11500 is in an open, unarticulatedconfiguration. When the end effector 11500 is articulated into an open,right configuration (FIG. 26A), the angle β decreases. When the endeffector 11500 is articulated into an open, left configuration (FIG.26B), the angle β increases. At no point, however, is the axis AAcollinear with or parallel to the axis CA when the open end effector11500 is articulated. Instead, the axis AA is transverse to the axis CAwhen the end effector 11500 is articulated in an open configuration.

Referring to FIG. 27, the axis AA extends at an angle γ with respect tothe axis CA when the end effector 11500 is in a closed, unarticulatedconfiguration. When the end effector 11500 is articulated into a closed,right configuration (FIG. 27A), the angle γ increases. When the endeffector 11500 is articulated into a closed, left configuration (FIG.27B), the angle δ also increases. At no point, however, is the axis AAcollinear with the axis CA when the end effector 11500 is articulated ina closed configuration, and/or any other configuration between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration. Instead, the axis AA istransverse to the axis CA when the end effector 11500 is articulated ina closed configuration and/or any other configuration between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration.

Referring again to FIGS. 20 and 21, the design of the surgicalinstrument 11000 can shorten the end effector 11500 as compared to theend effector 10500. Also, the distance between the articulation joint10200 and the proximal end of the staple line that is applied to thetissue of a patient by the end effector 10500 is a distance L1—while thedistance between the articulation joint 11200 and the proximal end ofthe staple line that is applied by the end effector 11500 is a distanceL2, which is shorter than the distance L1.

Turning now to FIGS. 40-45, the surgical instrument 11000 furthercomprises an articulation lock 11400 configured to selectively lock thearticulation drive system 11300 and the end effector 11500 in position.The articulation lock 11400 comprises a distal end 11402 mounted to aframe 11180 of the shaft 11100. More particularly, the shaft frame 11180comprises pins, or projections, 11182 closely received and/or pressedwithin apertures defined in the distal end 11402. The articulation lock11400 further comprises a proximal end 11404 configured to move relativeto the distal end 11402. In at least one respect, the articulation lock11400 comprises a cantilever beam where the distal end 11402 comprises afixed end and the proximal end 11404 comprises a free end. The proximalend 11404 is positioned in a cavity 11184 defined in the shaft frame11180 and is configured to move laterally toward and away from thearticulation drive actuator 11310, as described in greater detail below.

Further to the above, the proximal end 11404 of the articulation lock11400 comprises one or more teeth 11406 defined thereon which areconfigured to engage the articulation drive actuator 11310. Asillustrated in FIG. 40, the teeth 11406 are arranged in a longitudinalarray; however, any suitable arrangement may be used. The articulationdrive actuator 11310 comprises a longitudinal array of teeth 11316defined thereon which are configured to be engaged by the articulationlock teeth 11406. Referring to FIG. 41, the shaft frame 11180 furthercomprises a longitudinal array of teeth 11186 defined therein which arealso configured to be engaged by the articulation lock teeth 11406. Whenthe articulation lock 11400 is in a fully-locked state, as described ingreater detail below, the articulation lock teeth 11406 are engaged withthe drive actuator teeth 11316 and the shaft frame teeth 11186 such thatthe articulation lock 11400 locks the articulation drive actuator 11310to the shaft frame 11180 and prevents, or at least inhibits, relativemovement between the articulation drive actuator 11310 and the shaftframe 11180.

Further to the above, the articulation lock 11400 is configurable inthree states—a self-locked state, an unlocked state, and a fully-lockedstate. When the articulation lock 11400 is in a self-locked stated,referring to FIG. 43, the teeth 11406 of the articulation lock 11400 areengaged with the drive actuator teeth 11316 and the shaft frame teeth11186. In such instances, the articulation lock 11400 can resist someforce transmitted through the articulation drive actuator 11310;however, proximal and/or distal movement of the articulation driveactuator 11310 can overcome the holding force of the articulation lock11400 and displace the articulation lock 11400 into its unlockedconfiguration, as illustrated in FIG. 44. In such instances, thearticulation lock 11400 can flex or deflect laterally away from thedrive actuator 11310. The articulation lock 11400 comprises a springmember 11403 extending between the distal portion 11402 and the proximalportion 11404 which is configured to resiliently return, or at leastbias, the articulation lock toward its self-locked configuration (FIG.42). As a result, the articulation drive system 11300 can lock andunlock itself as a result of its own motion and articulate the endeffector 11500 unless the articulation lock 11400 is placed in itsfully-locked position, as discussed below.

As discussed further above, the shaft 11100 of the surgical instrument11000 comprises a closure tube 11110 that is advanced distally during aclosure stroke to close the end effector 11500. Prior to the closurestroke, the articulation lock 11400 is movable between its self-lockedand unlocked configurations to permit the end effector 11500 to bearticulated by the articulation drive system 11300. During the closurestroke, however, the closure tube 11110 is configured to engage thearticulation lock 11400 and place or hold the articulation lock 11400 inits fully-locked configuration. More specifically, the closure tube11110 comprises a projection, or tab, 11118 configured to engage a camsurface 11408 defined on the back side of the articulation lock 11400and prevent the articulation lock teeth 11406 from becoming demeshedfrom the drive actuator teeth 11316 and the shaft frame teeth 11186.When the closure tube 11110 is retracted proximally to open the endeffector 11500, the tab 11118 disengages from the articulation lock11400 and the articulation lock 11400 is free to move between itsself-locked and unlocked positions, as discussed above, so that the endeffector 11500 can be articulated once again.

The surgical instrument 11000 described above is further illustrated inFIGS. 80-82. The surgical instrument 11000 comprises a shaft 11100 whichis configured for use with a trocar having a passageway defined therein.The surgical instrument shaft 11100 comprises different diameters atdifferent points along the length of the surgical instrument shaft11100. Among other things, the surgical instrument shaft 11100 comprisesa central region 11160 comprising a smaller diameter than any otherregion of the surgical instrument shaft 11000. This geometry of thesurgical instrument shaft 11100 provides significant advantages overprevious designs and solves a long felt problem associated with the useof a trocar. Typically, when a surgical instrument is used incombination with a trocar during a surgical procedure, the surgicalprocedure is limited by the range of angles the instrument can take as aresult of constrictions created by the trocar passageway. Theconfiguration of the surgical instrument shaft 11100 is an improvementover existing shaft configurations because it increases the range ofangles that a surgical instrument can take relative to the longitudinalaxis of a trocar. As a result, the user of the surgical instrument 11000can manipulate the surgical instrument 11000 in a variety of anglesrelative to the longitudinal axis of the trocar due to the smallerdiameter of the central region 11160 of the surgical instrument shaft11100.

Referring to FIGS. 80 and 81, the surgical instrument shaft further11100 comprises a proximal region 11150 and a distal region 11170. Theproximal region 11150 of the surgical instrument shaft 11000 is locatedadjacent to a nozzle assembly 11140 of the shaft 11100. The distalregion 11170 is located closest to the end effector 11500. The proximalregion 11150 of the surgical instrument shaft comprises a firstdiameter, and the central region 11160 comprises a second diameter. Thedistal region 11170 further comprises a third diameter. The firstdiameter of the proximal region 11150 is different than the seconddiameter of the central region 11160. Similarly, the second diameter ofthe central region 11160 is different than the third diameter of thedistal region 11170. The first diameter of the proximal region 11150 isdifferent than the third diameter of the distal region 11170; however,embodiments are envisioned in which the first diameter and the thirddiameter are the same.

Further to the above, the proximal region 11150 defines a centrallongitudinal axis. The central region 11160 extends along the centrallongitudinal axis and is centered with respect to the centrallongitudinal axis. The proximal region 11150 and the central region11160 each define a circular profile, although they can comprise anysuitable configuration. The distal region 11170 is not centered withrespect to the central longitudinal axis. Instead, the distal region11170 is offset laterally with respect to the central longitudinal axis.Moreover, more of the cross-section and/or perimeter of the distalregion 11170 is positioned on a first side of the central longitudinalaxis than a second side. In at least one instance, the distal region11170 comprises an enlargement extending to one side of the centrallongitudinal axis. Additionally, the distal region 11170 does not definea circular profile.

Still referring to FIGS. 80 and 81, the central region 11160 comprises asecond width that is smaller than the first width of the proximal region11150. The central region further comprises a second width which issmaller than the third width of the distal region 11170. The proximalregion 11150 further comprises a different width than the width of thedistal region 11170. For example, the width of the proximal region 11150is smaller than the width of the distal region 11170, but is stilllarger than the width of the central region 11160. Similarly, the widthof the proximal region 11150 is larger than the width of the distalregion 11170 and the width of the central region 11160. In otherinstances, the proximal region 11150 and the distal region 11170comprise approximately the same width.

Referring to FIGS. 80-82, the surgical instrument shaft 11100 of thesurgical instrument 11000 is configured to fit through a 12 mm trocar,for example. In at least one such instance, the central region 11160 ofthe surgical instrument shaft 11100 comprises a maximum diameter ofapproximately 9 mm. Such a diameter of the central region 11160 providesfor a wider range of angles that the shaft 11100 can take relative tothe centerline of the trocar. Also, such an arrangement can reduce thepossibility of causing intercostal nerve damage associated with placingthe surgical instrument shaft 11100 between the ribs of a patient duringcertain surgical procedures. The distal region 11170 of the surgicalinstrument shaft 11100 is configured to fit through a 12 mm trocar, andcomprises one or more flat sides 11172 in order to provide for anincreased level of access during procedures which require a high levelof articulation. Other embodiments are envisioned in which the shaft11100 is inserted through a 8 mm trocar and/or a 5 mm trocar, forexample.

The proximal region 11150 comprises a stepped down, or tapered, regionnear the proximal end of the surgical instrument shaft 11100, where thesurgical instrument shaft 11100 transitions from the proximal region11150 to the central region 11160. The central region 11160 furthercomprises a stepped up, or tapered, region near the distal end of thesurgical instrument shaft 11100, where the surgical instrument shaft11100 transitions from the central region 11160 to the distal region11170.

Still referring to FIGS. 80 and 81, the proximal region 11150 comprisesa first circumference, the central region 11160 comprises a secondcircumference, and the distal region 11170 comprises a thirdcircumference. The circumference of the proximal region 11150 isdifferent than the circumference of the central region 11160, owing tothe difference in diameters of such portions of the surgical instrumentshaft 11100. Similarly, the circumference of the central region 11160and the circumference of the distal region 11170 are different. Thecircumference of the proximal region 11150 and the circumference of thedistal region 11170 are the same, but can be different in otherembodiments.

Referring again to FIGS. 80 and 81, the surgical instrument shaft 11100comprises a single, formed piece of material, although the surgicalinstrument shaft 11100 can comprise multiple pieces of material that arecombined to form a single, cohesive surgical instrument shaft in otherinstances. The pieces of material can be assembled using any appropriateprocess. The surgical instrument shaft 11100 is configured to operatewith a variety of surgical arrangements not limited to the surgicalstapling instruments described above. The surgical instrument shaft11100 can be used with other surgical instruments having articulable endeffectors. The other surgical instruments can include, for example,ultrasonic surgical devices, clip appliers, and fastener appliers. Inaddition, the surgical instrument shaft 11100 is configured for use withany surgical instrument wherein use of a trocar passageway isappropriate.

Further to the above, the outer tube 11110 of the shaft 11100 comprisesa proximal end 11150 and a longitudinal portion 11160 comprising adiameter, or width, which is narrower than the diameter, or width, ofthe proximal end 11150. That said, the surgical instrument 11000 isconfigured and arranged to provide a large torque to the end effector11500 while, at the same time, the longitudinal portion 11160 comprisesa narrow diameter. To wit, at least one design ratio for thisrelationship can be established and used to design the surgicalinstrument 11000. For instance, one ratio comprises the diameter of thelongitudinal portion 11160 (D) divided by the fully-right articulatedtorque arm length (TA). The value of this ratio is unitless. In at leastone instance, the diameter of the longitudinal portion 11160 (D) is0.316″ and the torque arm length (TA) is 0.154″, resulting in a ratiovalue of 2.06, for example. Smaller values for this ratio indicate moreefficient articulation systems. In various instances, the value for thisratio is less than 2.0, such as between 1.0 and 2.0, for example. In atleast one instance, the ratio value is between 2.0 and 3.0, for example.In certain instances, the ratio value is smaller than 3.38, for example.

Further to the above, the outer tube 11110 of the shaft 11100 comprisesa longitudinal portion 11160 and an enlarged distal end 11170 (FIG. 80).Referring again to FIG. 40, the entirety of the articulation lock 11400is positioned in the longitudinal portion 11160 and not the enlargeddistal end 11170. Embodiments are envisioned, however, in which at leasta portion of the articulation lock 11400 is positioned in the enlargeddistal end 11170. In at least one such instance, the articulation lock11400 is mounted to the shaft frame such that the distal end 11402 ofthe articulation lock 11400 is in the enlarged distal end 11170 of theouter tube 11110. In certain instances, the articulation lock 11400 isre-arranged such that the movable end of the articulation lock 11400 ispositioned in the enlarged distal end 11170 of the outer tube 11110. Invarious instances, the entirety of the articulation lock 11400 ispositioned in the enlarged distal end 11170.

Turning now to FIG. 46, a surgical instrument 14000 comprises a shaft14100, an end effector 11500, and, in addition, an articulation drivesystem including an articulation drive actuator 14310 configured toarticulate the end effector 11500. The shaft 14100 comprises anarticulation lock system configured to selectively lock the articulationdrive actuator 14310 and the end effector 14500 in position. Thearticulation lock system comprises an articulation lock 14400 includingproximal end and distal ends mounted to a frame 14180 of the shaft14100. In at least one respect, the articulation lock 14400 comprises abeam fixedly and/or simply-supported at both ends. The articulation lock14400 further comprises an intermediate portion 14404 positioned in acavity 14184 defined in the shaft frame 14180 which is configured tomove laterally toward and away from an articulation drive actuator 14310of the articulation drive system 14300. Similar to the above, thearticulation lock 14400 comprises one or more spring portions 14403configured to permit the articulation lock 14400 to flex toward and awayfrom the articulation drive actuator 14310.

Further to the above, the intermediate portion 14404 of the articulationlock 14400 comprises one or more teeth 14406 defined thereon which areconfigured to engage the articulation drive actuator 14310. The teeth14406 are arranged in a longitudinal array; however, any suitablearrangement may be used. The articulation drive actuator 14310 comprisesa longitudinal array of teeth 14316 defined thereon which are configuredto be engaged by the articulation lock teeth 14406. The articulationlock system further comprises a lock plate 14420 slidably positioned inthe shaft cavity 14184 which includes a longitudinal array of teeth14226 defined therein which are also configured to be engaged by thearticulation lock teeth 14406. When the articulation lock 14400 is in afully-locked state, as described in greater detail below, thearticulation lock teeth 14406 are engaged with the drive actuator teeth14316 and the lock plate teeth 14226 such that the articulation lock14400 locks the articulation drive actuator 14310 in position andprevents, or at least inhibits, relative movement between thearticulation drive actuator 14310 and the shaft frame 14180.

The lock plate 14420 comprises a shoulder 14424 which is positionedunder the articulation drive actuator 14310. The lock plate teeth 14426are defined on a lateral edge of the shoulder 14424 and aresubstantially aligned with the teeth 14316 defined in the articulationdrive actuator 14310. In at least one instance, the articulation driveactuator teeth 14316 are aligned along a first teeth axis and the lockplate teeth 14406 are defined along a second teeth axis which isparallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the first teeth axis.In various instances, the drive actuator teeth 14316 are defined in aplane which is parallel to a plane including the lock plate teeth 14406.Such arrangements permit the articulation lock 14400 to simultaneouslyengage the lock plate 14420 and the articulation drive actuator 14310.Although the first teeth axis and the second teeth axis are parallel toa longitudinal axis of the shaft 14100, embodiments are envisioned inwhich the first teeth axis and the second teeth axis are skew ortransverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 14100.

Referring again to FIG. 46, the lock plate 14420 is slidablelongitudinally within the cavity 14184; however, the longitudinalmovement of the lock plate 14420 is limited by proximal and distal endwalls 14427. As a result, the lock plate 14420 can float within theshaft cavity 14184 between the end walls 14427. In various instances,the lock plate teeth 14426 may not be completely aligned with the driveactuator teeth 14316 when the articulation lock 14400 engages the teeth14426 and 14316. In such instances, the lock plate 14420 can movelongitudinally, to a certain degree, such that the lock plate teeth14426 are aligned with the drive actuator teeth 14316. In variousinstances, the lock plate 14420 can move in response to a locking forceapplied thereto by the articulation lock 14400. In at least oneinstance, the lock plate 14420 can be permitted to move distally onetooth pitch distance and proximally one tooth pitch distance withrespect to its centered position, for example, wherein a tooth pitchdistance is the distance between the peaks of adjacent lock teeth 14426of the lock plate 14420. In other instances, the lock plate 14420 can bepermitted to move distally ¼ of a tooth pitch distance and proximally ¼of a tooth pitch distance with respect to its centered position, forexample. In various instances, the lock plate 14420 can be permitted tomove proximally and distally more than one toot pitch distance.

Further to the above, the articulation lock 14400 is configurable inthree states—a self-locked state, an unlocked state, and a fully-lockedstate. When the articulation lock 14400 is in a self-locked stated, theteeth 14406 of the articulation lock 14400 are engaged with the driveactuator teeth 14316 and the shaft frame teeth 14186. In such instances,the articulation lock 14400 can resist some force transmitted throughthe articulation drive actuator 14310; however, proximal and/or distalmovement of the articulation drive actuator 14310 can overcome theholding force of the articulation lock 14400 and displace thearticulation lock 14400 into its unlocked configuration. In suchinstances, the articulation lock 14400 can flex or deflect laterallyaway from the drive actuator 14310 so that the end effector 11500 can bearticulated. Similar to the above, the spring members 14403 of thearticulation lock 14400 can resiliently return, or at least bias, thearticulation lock 14400 toward its self-locked configuration. As aresult, the articulation drive system can lock and unlock itself as aresult of its own motion unless it is placed in its fully-lockedposition, as discussed below.

Similar to the above, the shaft 14100 of the surgical instrument 14000comprises a closure tube that is advanced distally during a closurestroke to close the end effector 11500. Prior to the closure stroke, thearticulation lock 14400 is movable between its self-locked and unlockedconfigurations to permit the end effector 11500 to be articulated by thearticulation drive system. During the closure stroke, the closure tubeis configured to engage the articulation lock 14400 and place, block,and/or hold the articulation lock 14400 in its fully-lockedconfiguration. More specifically, the closure tube comprises a cam 14118configured to engage a cam surface 14405 defined on the back side of thearticulation lock 14400 and prevent the articulation lock teeth 14406from becoming de-meshed from the drive actuator teeth 14316 and theshaft frame teeth 14186. The cam 14118 comprises an angled surface 14115which engages a corresponding angled surface defined on the cam surface14405, although any suitable arrangement could be used. When the closuretube is retracted proximally to permit the end effector 11500 to beopened, the tab 14118 disengages from the articulation lock 14400 andthe articulation lock 14400 is free to move between its self-locked andunlocked positions, as discussed above, so that the end effector 11500can be articulated once again.

When the articulation lock 14400 is moved into its fully-lockedconfiguration by the closure tube, referring again to FIG. 46, thearticulation lock 14400 pushes the lock plate 14420 against a lateralsidewall 14183 of the shaft cavity 14184. In fact, the articulation lock14400 engages the lock plate 14420 with sufficient force to pin the lockplate 14420 against the sidewall 14183 such that the lock plate 14420cannot move, or at least substantially move, longitudinally with respectto the shaft frame 14180. The lock plate 14420 comprises one or moreprojections 14422 extending therefrom which are configured to dig into,bite, and/or deflect the sidewall 14183 of the shaft cavity 14184 whenthe lock plate 14420 is pushed against the sidewall 14183 to prevent, orat least reduce the possibility of, the lock plate 14420 from movinglongitudinally relative to the shaft frame 14180.

Further to the above, the shaft frame 14180 comprises one or morecavities, or openings, defined therein which are configured to permitand/or facilitate the deflection of the sidewall 14183. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 46, the shaft frame 14180 comprises cavities 14182defined therein which are aligned, or at least substantially aligned,with the projections 14422. When the lock plate 14420 is displacedlaterally by the closure tube, as discussed above, the sidewall 14183elastically displaces into the cavities 14182 and the lock plate 14420is locked in position. In such instances, the engagement between theshaft frame 14180 and the lock plate 14420 prevents the articulationdrive actuator 14310 from being moved longitudinally and locks the endeffector 11500 in position. When the closure tube is retracted anddisengaged from the articulation lock 14400, the sidewall 14183 canreturn to its unflexed state and displace the lock plate 14420laterally. At such point, the lock plate 14420 is unlocked and the endeffector 11500 can be articulated, as outlined above.

A surgical instrument 15000 is illustrated in FIGS. 47-49 and is similarto the surgical instrument 14000 in many respects, most of which willnot be repeated herein for the sake of brevity. Among other things, thesurgical instrument 15000 comprises a shaft, an end effector 11500, andan articulation drive system including an articulation drive actuator14310. The surgical instrument 15000 further comprises an articulationlocking system including an articulation lock 15400 which is, similar tothe above, movable between a self-locking position, an unlockedposition, and a fully-locked position. The articulation locking systemfurther comprises a lock plate 15420 which is similar to the lock plate14420 in many respects. For instance, the lock plate 15420 is movablelaterally into engagement with the wall 14183. Also, for instance, thelock plate 15420 is movable longitudinally to float into a suitablelocked position in which an array of teeth 15426 defined on the lockplate 15420 are meshed with the teeth 14406 of the articulation lock15400, as depicted in FIG. 48. That said, the shaft of the surgicalinstrument 15000 further comprises a distal spring 15429 positionedintermediate the lock plate 15420 and a distal end wall 15427 defined inthe shaft frame and, in addition, a proximal spring 15429 positionedintermediate the lock plate 15420 and a proximal end wall 15427 definedin the shaft frame. The springs 15429 are configured to position thelock plate 15420 in a centered, or balanced, position between the endwalls 15427, which is illustrated in FIG. 47. Such a centered positioncreates a proximal gap (PG) and a distal gap (DG) between the end walls15427 and the lock plate 15420 which are equal, or at leastsubstantially equal, to one another. That said, the springs 15429 mayexperience different deflections or loading when the lock plate 15420seats itself into meshing engagement with the articulation lock 15400,as illustrated in FIG. 49, which may create unequal gaps PG and DG.

A surgical instrument 16000 is illustrated in FIGS. 50-52 and is similarto the surgical instruments 14000 and 15000 in many respects, most ofwhich will not be repeated herein for the sake of brevity. Among otherthings, the surgical instrument 16000 comprises a shaft, an end effector11500, and an articulation drive system including an articulation driver16310. Referring primarily to FIG. 50, the surgical instrument 16000further comprises an articulation locking system including anarticulation lock 16400 which is, similar to the above, configurable ina self-locking configuration, an unlocked configuration, and afully-locked configuration. The articulation locking system furthercomprises a lock plate 16420 which is similar to the lock plate 14420 inmany respects. For instance, the lock plate 16420 is movable laterallyinto engagement with the wall 14183, as illustrated in FIG. 51. Also,for instance, the lock plate 16420 is movable longitudinally to floatinto a suitable locked position in which teeth 16426 of the lock plate16420 are meshed with the teeth 16406 of the articulation lock 16400, asdepicted in FIG. 52. Moreover, the teeth 16406 of the articulation lock16400, the teeth 16426 of the lock plate 16420, and the lock teeth 16316of the articulation driver 16310 are configured and arranged to providea plurality of positions, or permutations of positions, in which thearticulation lock 16400 can lock the articulation driver 16310 to thelock plate 16420. For instance, the articulation lock system has reacheda fully-locked configuration in a set of positions illustrated in FIG.51 and a fully-locked configuration in a different set of positionsillustrated in FIG. 52.

The above-discussed adaptability of the articulation locking system canbe achieved via the tooth pitches of the articulation lock teeth 16406,the articulation driver teeth 16316, and the lock plate teeth 16426. Forinstance, referring primarily to FIG. 50, the articulation lock teeth16406 are set at a first pitch 16407, the articulation driver teeth16316 are set at a second pitch 16317, and the lock plate teeth 16426are set at a third pitch 16427. The first pitch is different than thesecond pitch and the third pitch—the second pitch is different than thefirst pitch and the third pitch—and the third pitch is different thanthe first pitch and the second pitch, although embodiments areenvisioned in which two of the first pitch, the second pitch, and thethird pitch are the same. Referring again to FIG. 50, the third pitch16427 of the lock plate teeth 16426 is larger than the second pitch16317 of the articulation driver teeth 16316, and the second pitch 16317is larger than the first pitch 16407 of the articulation lock teeth16406, although any suitable arrangement can be used.

A surgical instrument 17000 is illustrated in FIGS. 53-56 and is similarto the surgical instrument 11000 in many respects, most of which willnot be repeated herein for the sake of brevity. The surgical instrument17000 comprises a shaft, an end effector 11500 rotatably connected tothe shaft about an articulation joint 11200, and an articulation drivesystem configured to articulate the end effector 11500 about thearticulation joint 11200. Similar to the above, the articulation drivesystem comprises an articulation link 17320 rotatably mounted to the jaw11600 about a pin 11620 and an articulation driver 17310 rotatablymounted to the articulation link 17320 about a pin 17315. The surgicalinstrument 17000 further comprises an articulation lock 17400 movablymounted to a shaft frame of the surgical instrument 17000 which ismovable between an unlocked position and a locked position. Thearticulation lock 17400 comprises a distal end 17402 fixedly mounted tothe shaft frame and a proximal end 17404 slidably mounted to the shaftframe. More specifically, the shaft frame comprises a pin extending intoan aperture defined in the distal end 17402 of the articulation lock17400 and a guide projection 17114 extending into an elongate aperturedefined in the proximal end 17404. In certain instances, the shaft framecan comprise two or more pins extending into apertures defined in thedistal end 17402 of the articulation lock 17400 to fix the distal end17402 to the shaft frame and prevent the distal end 17402 from rotatingrelative to the shaft frame. As a result of the above, at least theproximal end 17404 of the articulation lock 17400 is movable relative tothe shaft frame to engage the articulation driver 17310 and lock thearticulation system and end effector 11500 in position.

Further to the above, the articulation driver 17310 comprises alongitudinal rack of teeth 17316 defined thereon and the articulationlock 17400 comprises a longitudinal rack of teeth 17406 defined thereon.When the articulation lock 17400 is in its unlocked position, asillustrated in FIGS. 53 and 54, the teeth 17406 of the articulation lock17400 are not engaged with the teeth 17316 of the articulation driver17310. In such instances, the articulation driver 17310 can move freelyrelative to the articulation lock 17400 to articulate the end effector11500. When the articulation lock 17400 is in a partially-lockedposition, as illustrated in FIG. 55, the articulation lock teeth 17406are partially engaged with the articulation driver teeth 17316. In suchinstances, the proximal and distal movement of the articulation driver17310 is impeded by the articulation lock 17400; however, thearticulation driver 17310 can still move relative to the articulationlock 17400 to articulate the end effector 11500. When the articulationlock 17400 is in a fully-locked position, as illustrated in FIG. 56, thearticulation lock teeth 17406 are fully engaged with the articulationdriver teeth 17316. In such instances, the proximal and distal movementof the articulation driver 17310, and the articulation of the endeffector 11500, is prevented by the articulation lock 17400.

Further to the above, the surgical instrument 17000 does not include abiasing member configured to move the articulation lock 17400 toward thearticulation driver 17310 other than a closure member, or tube, 17110.The closure tube 17110 is configured to engage the articulation lock17400 and move the articulation lock 17400 from its unlocked position(FIG. 54) to its partially-locked (FIG. 55) and fully-locked positions(FIG. 56). Similar to the above, the closure tube 17110 comprises a cam17118 configured to engage a cam surface defined on the articulationlock 17400, although other arrangements can be used. The closure tube17110 is configured to move the articulation lock 17400 between itsunlocked position and its partially-locked position when the closuretube 17110 is moved distally through a partial closing stroke (PCS)which at least partially closes the end effector 11500. In suchinstances, the end effector 11500 of the surgical instrument 17000 canbe used to grasp the tissue of a patient, for example. The closure tube17110 is configured to move the articulation lock 17400 into itsfully-locked position when the closure tube 17110 is moved distallythrough a full closing stroke (FCS) which completely closes the endeffector 11500. In such instances, the end effector 11500 of thesurgical instrument 17000 can be used to fully clamp the tissue of apatient, for example.

As discussed above, the locking force applied to the articulation driver17310 by the articulation lock 17400 increases as the closure tube 17110is advanced distally. Stated another way, the articulation locking forceis a function of the closure tube 17110 stroke. Further to the above,turning now to FIG. 57, the locking force between the articulationdriver 17310 and the articulation lock 17400 is represented by line17101. As illustrated in FIG. 57, the articulation lock teeth 17406become initially engaged with the articulation driver teeth 17316 duringthe partial closure stroke. In at least one instance, such initialengagement of the teeth 17406 and 17316 occurs after approximately0.050″ of closure stroke of the closure tube 17110, although anysuitable distance can be used. Notably, such initial engagement of theteeth 17406 and 17316 does not necessarily coincide with the end of thepartial closing stroke; rather, it can occur at some point during thepartial closure stroke (PCS). It also occurs at some point during thefull closure stroke (FCS). Such an initial engagement, however, does notcomprise a locking force couple. Instead, a locking force couple betweenthe teeth 17406 and 17316 is only established at some during the fullclosing stroke (FCS). In at least one instance, the full closing stroke(FCS) has a length of approximately 0.260″, for example.

A surgical instrument 18000 is illustrated in FIGS. 58-60 and is similarto the surgical instruments 11000 and 17000 in many respects, most ofwhich will not be repeated herein for the sake of brevity. The surgicalinstrument 18000 comprises a shaft, an end effector 11500 rotatablyconnected to the shaft about an articulation joint, and an articulationsystem configured to articulate the end effector 11500. The shaftcomprises a frame 18180 including first and second longitudinal racks ofteeth 18186 which are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, toone another, although the racks of teeth 18186 can extend transverselyto one another. The surgical instrument 18000 further comprises anarticulation lock 18400 and a closure member including a cam 18118. Thearticulation lock 18400 includes a first lock arm 18410 configured toengage the first longitudinal rack of teeth 18186 and a second lock arm18420 configured to engage the second longitudinal rack of teeth 18186.Referring primarily to FIGS. 59 and 60, the first lock arm 18410comprises a first cam surface 18415 defined thereon and the second lockarm 18420 comprises a second cam surface 18425 defined thereon which areconfigured to be contacted by the cam 18118 during a closure stroke ofthe closure member and displaced or flexed outwardly into a fully-lockedengagement with the longitudinal racks of teeth 18186. Moreover, one orboth of the lock arms 18410 and 18420 also engage the articulationsystem to lock the end effector 11500 in place when the lock arms 18410and 18420 are displaced outwardly into engagement with the shaft frame18180.

Once displaced or flexed into their fully-locked states, the lock arms18410 and 18420 define a longitudinal slot 18430 there between which isconfigured to permit the cam 18118 to pass thereby during the remainderof the closure stroke, for example. Moreover, in such instances, the cam18118 wedges the articulation lock 18400 into engagement with the frame18180 and securely holds the lock arms 18410 and 18420 in theirfully-locked positions.

In at least one alternative embodiment, further to the above, the firstlock arm 18410 of the articulation lock 18400 can be configured toengage the shaft frame 18180 of the surgical instrument 18000 while thesecond lock arm 18420 of the articulation lock 18400 can be configuredto engage the articulation system of the surgical instrument 18000.

A surgical instrument 19000 is illustrated in FIGS. 61-65 and is similarto the surgical instrument 11000 in many respects, most of which willnot be repeated herein for the sake of brevity. The surgical instrument19000 comprises a shaft 19100 including a closure member 19110, an endeffector 11500 rotatably connected to the shaft 19100 about anarticulation joint 11200, and an articulation drive system 19300including an articulation driver 19310 configured to articulate the endeffector 11500 about the articulation joint 11200. Referring primarilyto FIG. 61, the surgical instrument 19000 further comprises anarticulation lock 19400 configured to selectively engage thearticulation drive system 19300 and lock the end effector 11500 inposition. The shaft 19100 further comprises a frame 19180 and thearticulation lock 19400 is movably mounted to the frame 19180 between anunlocked position (FIG. 61), a partially-locked position (FIG. 63), anda locked position (FIG. 64). As described in greater detail below, thearticulation lock 19400 is movable laterally toward the articulationdriver 19310 to bring the articulation lock 19400 into closeapproximation with the articulation driver 19310 (FIG. 63) and, also,transversely into interference with the articulation driver 19310 (FIG.64).

Further to the above, the shaft frame 19180 comprises a proximal guidepost 19182 and a distal guide post 19184. The proximal guide post 19182extends into a lateral elongate slot defined in a proximal end 19402 ofthe articulation lock 19400 and, similarly, the distal guide post 19184extends into a lateral elongate slot defined in a distal end 19404 ofthe articulation lock 19400. The lateral elongate slots permit thearticulation lock 19400 to move laterally toward and away from thearticulation driver 19310, as outlined above. The lateral elongate slotsalso define the lateral path of the articulation lock 19400 and prevent,or at least substantially prevent, longitudinal movement of thearticulation lock 19400 relative to the shaft frame 19180. As a result,the elongate slots of the articulation lock 19400 can guide thearticulation lock 19400 between an unlocked position (FIG. 61) in whichthe lock teeth 19406 of the articulation lock 19400 are not engaged witha longitudinal rack of teeth 19316 defined on the articulation driver19310, a partially-locked position (FIG. 63) in which the lock teeth19406 are partially engaged with the teeth 19316, and a fully-lockedposition (FIG. 64) in which the lock teeth 19406 are fully engaged withthe teeth 19316.

Further to the above, the articulation lock 19400 further comprises alongitudinal cam slot 19408 defined therein and the closure member 19110comprises a cam pin 19188 positioned in the cam slot 19408. When theclosure member 19110 is in an unactuated, or open, position (FIG. 61),the cam pin 19188 is positioned in a proximal portion 19408 a of the camslot 19408. When the closure member 19110 is moved distally into apartially-actuated, or partially-closed, position, as illustrated inFIG. 62, the cam pin 19188 is moved into a central portion 19408 b ofthe cam slot 19408. In such instances, the cam pin 19188 displaces thearticulation lock 19400 toward the articulation driver 19310. In suchinstances, however, the teeth 19406 of the articulation lock 19400 maynot be engaged with the teeth 19316 of the articulation driver 19310and, as a result, the articulation driver 19310 can still be moved toarticulate the end effector 11500 relative to the shaft 19100. As aresult, the end effector 11500 can be articulated when the closurestroke of the closure member 19110 has only been partially completed.

When the closure member 19110 is moved further distally, as illustratedin FIG. 63, the cam pin 19188 is moved into a distal portion 19408 c ofthe cam slot 19408. In such instances, the cam pin 19188 displaces thearticulation lock 19400 into close approximation with the articulationdriver 19310 and into partial intermeshment with the teeth 19316 of thearticulation driver 19310. That said, such partial intermeshment betweenthe teeth 19406 and 19316 can only resist a certain amount of forcetransmitted through the articulation driver 19310 and such resistancecan be overcome to move the articulation driver 19310 relative to thearticulation lock 19400 and articulate the end effector 11500.

Further to the above, the articulation lock 19400 is not transverselylifted or lowered relative to the shaft frame 19180 during the partialclosure stroke of the closure member 19110 (FIGS. 61-63). Rather, thearticulation lock 19400 is lifted upwardly such that teeth 19406 of thearticulation lock 19400 fully engage the teeth 19316 of the articulationdriver 19310 and lock the articulation driver 19310 in position duringthe final or last portion of the closure stroke of the closure member19110, as illustrated in FIG. 64. The articulation lock 19400 is movedupwardly by a different cam pin extending from the closure member 19110,i.e., cam pin 19189 which engages the articulation lock 19400 at the endof the closure stroke of the closure member 19110. Notably, the cam pin19189 is not engaged with the articulation lock 19400 at the beginningof the closure stroke or during the partial closure stroke of theclosure member 19110. At most, the cam pin 19189 may slidingly touch thebottom of the articulation lock 19400 during the partial closure stroke.That said, referring primarily to FIG. 65, the articulation lock 19400comprises a cut-out, or recess, 19409 defined therein which providesclearance between the cam pin 19189 and the articulation lock 19400during the partial closure stroke. That said, the cam pin 19189 comesinto contact with the articulation lock 19400 when the cam pin 19189reaches the end of the recess 19409 and, in such instances, drives thearticulation lock 19400 transversely upwardly such that the lock teeth19406 interferingly engage with the teeth 19316 of the articulationdriver 19310 and the articulation lock 19400 is placed in itsfully-locked position, as illustrated in FIG. 64. At such point, thearticulation driver 19310 is locked in position and cannot be movedlongitudinally to articulate the end effector 11500.

Referring again to FIG. 65, the teeth 19316 of the articulation driver19310 are angled, or tilted, relative to the longitudinal axis of theshaft 19100. The lock teeth 19406 of the articulation lock 19400 are notangled, or are angled at a different orientation than the teeth 19316.As a result, the lock teeth 19406 of the articulation lock 19400 can bepartially engaged with the teeth 19316 of the articulation driver 19310when the articulation lock 19400 is in its lowered position (FIG. 63)and fully engaged with the teeth 19316 when the articulation lock 19400is in its raised position (FIG. 64).

In order to unlock the articulation system 19300 of the surgicalinstrument 19000, the closure member 19110 must be retracted todisengage the cam pin 19189 from the articulation lock 19400 so that thearticulation lock 19400 can return to its lowered position. Once the campin 19189 has been disengaged from the articulation lock 19400, theproximal retraction of the cam pin 19188 can drive the articulation lock19400 downwardly as the cam pin 19188 is pulled proximally through camslot 19408. Moreover, the cam pin 19188 can displace the articulationlock 19400 away from the articulation driver 19310 when it is pulledproximally. In various embodiments, the shaft 19110 can comprise one ormore biasing members, such as springs, for example, configured to biasor push the articulation lock 19400 downwardly to quickly reset thearticulation lock to an unlocked position.

A surgical instrument 20000 is illustrated in FIGS. 66-68 and is similarto the surgical instruments 11000, 17000, 18000, and 19000 in manyrespects, most of which will not be repeated herein for the sake ofbrevity. The surgical instrument 20000 comprises a shaft including aclosure tube 20110, an end effector 11500 rotatably mounted to the shaftabout an articulation joint 11200, and an articulation system configuredto articulation the end effector 11500 relative to the shaft. Similar tothe above, the articulation system comprises an articulation link 20320rotatably pinned to the end effector 11500 and, in addition, anarticulation actuator 20310 rotatably pinned to the articulation link20320. In use, the articulation actuator 20310 is moved proximallyand/or distally to drive the articulation link 20320 and articulate theend effector 11500. The surgical instrument 20000 further comprises anarticulation lock system comprising an articulation lock gear 20400rotatably mounted to a frame of the shaft about a fixed axis. Thearticulation lock gear 20400 comprises an annular array of teeth 20406which is meshingly engaged with a longitudinal array of teeth 20316defined on the articulation actuator 20310. As a result, referringgenerally to FIG. 66, the articulation lock gear 20400 will rotate inresponse to the proximal and/or distal movement of the articulationactuator 20310 until the articulation lock gear 20400 is locked inposition by the closure tube 20110, as illustrated in FIG. 68.

Further to the above, the articulation lock system further compriseslock arms 20405 extending from the shaft frame into a central aperturedefined in the articulation lock gear 20400 and, when the closure tube20110 is moved distally during a closure stroke to close the endeffector 11500, a cam, or wedge, 20118 of the closure tube 20110 isconfigured to engage the lock arms 20405 and splay the lock arms 20405outwardly into engagement with the articulation lock gear 20400. Oncethe lock arms 20405 are engaged with the articulation lock gear 20400,the lock arms 20405 can prevent the rotation of the articulation lockgear 20400 and, also, the longitudinal movement of the articulationactuator 20310. In such instances, the lock arms 20405 can prevent, orat least substantially prevent, the articulation of the end effector11500 until the wedge 20118 of the closure tube 20110 is retractedproximally during an opening stroke and the lock arms 20405 resilientlyreturn to their unflexed, or unlocked, configurations.

Further to the above, the articulation system of the surgical instrument20000 can be placed in an unlocked configuration (FIG. 66), apartially-locked configuration (FIG. 67), and a fully-lockedconfiguration (FIG. 68). The articulation system can be placed in itspartially-locked configuration (FIG. 67) when the closure tube 20110 isadvanced distally through a partial closing stroke (PCS). In suchinstances, the end effector 11500 is at least partially closed but canstill be articulated even though the lock arms 20405 may be partiallyengaged with the articulation lock gear 20400. More particularly, thearticulation lock gear 20400 can still rotate despite drag created bythe partial engagement of the lock arms 20405 against the articulationlock gear 20400. In at least one instance, the PCS is approximately0.050″, for example. The articulation system can be placed in itsfully-locked configuration (FIG. 68) when the closure tube 20110 isadvanced distally through a full closure stroke (FCS). In suchinstances, the end effector 11500 is completely closed and cannot bearticulated until the articulation system is returned to itspartially-locked and/or unlocked configurations.

A surgical instrument 21000 is illustrated in FIGS. 69-71 and is similarto the surgical instruments 11000, 17000, 18000, 19000, and 20000 inmany respects, most of which will not be repeated herein for the sake ofbrevity. The surgical instrument 21000 comprises a shaft including aclosure member 21110, an end effector 11500 rotatably mounted to theshaft about an articulation joint 11200, and an articulation systemincluding an articulation actuator 21130 configured to articulate theend effector 11500 relative to the shaft. The surgical instrument 21000further comprises an articulation lock system comprising an articulationlock gear 21400 rotatably mounted to a frame of the shaft about a fixedaxis. The articulation lock gear 21400 comprises an annular array ofteeth 21406 which is meshingly engaged with a longitudinal array ofteeth 21316 defined on the articulation actuator 21310. As a result,referring generally to FIG. 69, the articulation lock gear 21400 rotatesin response to the proximal and/or distal longitudinal movement of thearticulation actuator 21310 until, as described in greater detail below,the articulation lock gear 21400 is locked in position by the closuremember 21110 (FIG. 71).

Further to the above, the articulation lock system of the surgicalinstrument 21000 further comprises a movable lock element 21405 which isslidably mounted to the shaft frame. More specifically, referringprimarily to FIG. 69, the lock element 21405 comprises a guideprojection 21402 extending therefrom which extends into a lateralelongate slot 21403 defined in the shaft frame which is configured topermit the lock element 21405 to slide laterally toward and/or away fromthe articulation driver 21310. Moreover, referring primarily to FIG. 70,the lock element 21405 slides laterally within an aperture defined inthe articulation lock gear 21400 between an unlocked position (FIG. 69)and a locked position (FIG. 71). The lock element 21405 comprises anannular array of lock teeth 21407 and the articulation lock gear 21400comprises an annular array of lock teeth 21408 defined around the inneraperture thereof and, when the lock element 21405 is in its unlockedposition (FIG. 69), the lock teeth 21407 of the lock element 21405 arenot engaged with the lock teeth 21408 of the articulation lock gear21400. When the lock element 21405 is in its locked position (FIG. 71),the lock teeth 21407 of the lock element 21405 are engaged with the lockteeth 21408 of the articulation lock gear 21400 such that thearticulation lock gear 21400 cannot rotate and, as a result, thearticulation actuator 21300 is prevented from being moved longitudinallyto articulate the end effector 11500.

FIGS. 69-71 illustrate the distal progression of the closure member21110 during a closure stroke. FIG. 69 illustrates the closure member21110 in an unactuated, or open, position. In such a position, theclosure member 21110 is not engaged with the lock element 21405. FIG. 70illustrates the closure member 21110 in a partially closed position inwhich the closure member 21110 has at least partially closed the endeffector 11500. In such a position, a cam surface 21115 of the closuremember 21110 has engaged the lock element 21405. In at least oneinstance, the closure member 21110 moves distally approximately 0.050″from its open position (FIG. 69) to its partially closed position (FIG.70). FIG. 71 illustrates the closure member 21110 in a fully closedposition in which the closure member 21110 has completely closed the endeffector 11500. In such a position, the cam surface 21115 has moved bythe lock element 21405 and the lock element 21405 has been displaced bythe full thickness of the closure member 21110.

In view of the above, a surgical instrument can include an articulationlock system configured to prevent the end effector of the surgicalinstrument from being articulated and/or unintentionally back-driven bya load, or torque, applied to the end effector. At least a portion ofthe articulation lock system can be moved into engagement with anarticulation drive system of the surgical instrument to prevent thearticulation of the end effector. In at least one instance, anarticulation lock can be integral to the articulation drive system, asdescribed in greater detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 72-74, a surgical instrument 22000 comprises a shaftand an articulation drive system 22300 which is configured to articulatean end effector, such as an end effector 11500, for example, of thesurgical instrument 22000 relative to the shaft. The articulation drivesystem 22300 comprises an articulation driver 22310 and a pinion gear22320. The articulation driver 22310 comprises a longitudinal rack ofteeth 22316 defined thereon which is operably meshed with teeth 22326 ofthe pinion gear 22320. When the articulation driver 22310 is translateddistally, the pinion gear 22320 is rotated in a first direction.Correspondingly, the pinion gear 22320 is rotated in a second directionwhen the articulation driver 22310 is translated proximally. The piniongear 22320 comprises a bevel gear 22330 fixedly mounted thereto suchthat the bevel gear 22330 rotates with the pinion gear 22320 about acommon axis of rotation. The combined assembly of the pinion gear 22320and the bevel gear 22330 is rotatably mounted in the shaft of thesurgical instrument 22000.

Further to the above, teeth 22336 of the bevel gear 22330 are meshinglyengaged with the teeth 22346 of a bevel gear 22340 which is rotatablymounted about a rotatable threaded articulation lead screw 22350. Morespecifically, the bevel gear 22340 comprises a nut portion whichincludes an at least partially threaded aperture which is threadablyengaged with the articulation lead screw 22350. When the bevel gear22340 is rotated in a first direction by the articulation driver 22310via the bevel gear 22330, the bevel gear 22340 rotates the articulationlad screw 22350 in a first direction. Correspondingly, the bevel gear22340 rotates the articulation lead screw 22350 in a second directionwhen the bevel gear 22340 is rotated in a second direction. Moreover,the end effector 11500 is rotated in a first direction when thearticulation lead screw 22350 is rotated in its first direction and,correspondingly, in a second direction when the threaded articulationdriver shaft 22350 is rotated in its second direction.

Further to the above, the pitch of the threads on the threadedarticulation lead screw 22350 can be selected to prevent back-drivingwithin the articulation drive system 22300. Stated another way, a steeppitch of the threads defined on the articulation lead screw 22350 wouldbe able to resist a force and/or torque transmitted proximally from theend effector 11500 through the articulation drive system 22300 and, as aresult, can prevent the end effector 11500 from being unintentionallyarticulated. As such, the thread pitch can serve as an articulation lockintegral to the articulation drive system 22300. In at least oneinstance, the articulation lead screw comprises an ACME lead screw, forexample.

Referring to FIGS. 75-79, a surgical instrument 23000 comprises a shaftand an articulation drive system 23300 which is configured to articulatean end effector, such as an end effector 11500, for example, of thesurgical instrument 23000 relative to the shaft. The articulation drivesystem 23300 comprises an articulation driver 23310 and a pinion gear23320. The articulation driver 23310 comprises a longitudinal rack ofteeth 23316 defined thereon which is operably meshed with the teeth23326 of the pinion gear 23320. When the articulation driver 23310 istranslated distally, the pinion gear 23320 is rotated in a firstdirection. Correspondingly, the pinion gear 23320 is rotated in a seconddirection when the articulation driver 23310 is translated proximally.The pinion gear 23320 comprises a worm gear 23330 fixedly mountedthereto such that the worm gear 23330 rotates with the pinion gear 23320about a common axis of rotation. The combined assembly of the piniongear 23320 and the worm gear 23330 is rotatably mounted in the shaft ofthe surgical instrument 23000.

Further to the above, teeth 23336 of the worm gear 23330 are meshinglyengaged with the teeth 23346 of a worm 23340 which is rotatably mountedto the shaft frame. The worm 23340 comprises a pinion gear 23350 fixedlymounted thereto such that the pinion gear 23350 rotates with the worm23340 about a common axis of rotation. The pinion gear 23350 is operablyengaged with a translatable articulation output driver 23360. Morespecifically, the pinion gear 23350 comprises teeth 23356 which aremeshingly engaged with a rack of teeth 23366 defined on the outputdriver 23360. When the worm 23340 is rotated in a first direction by thearticulation driver 23310 via the worm gear 23330, the pinion gear 23350drives the output driver 23360 distally. Correspondingly, the worm 23340and the pinion gear 23350 drive the output driver 23360 proximally whenthe worm 23340 is rotated in a second direction by the worm gear 23330.Moreover, the end effector 11500 is rotated in a first direction whenthe output driver 23350 is driven distally by the articulation drivesystem 23330 and in a second direction when the output driver 23350 isdriven proximally by the articulation drive system 23330.

Further to the above, the pitch of the threads on the worm 23340 can beselected to prevent back-driving within the articulation drive system23300. Stated another way, a steep pitch of the threads defined on theworm 23340, for instance, would be able to resist a force and/or torquetransmitted proximally from the end effector 11500 through thearticulation drive system 23300 and can prevent the end effector 11500from being unintentionally articulated. As such, the thread pitch canserve as an articulation lock integral to the articulation drive system23300.

A surgical instrument 12000, illustrated in FIGS. 32-34B, is similar tothe surgical instrument 11000 in several respects, many of which willnot be repeated herein in the interest of brevity. In addition to ashaft 11100, an end effector 11500, and an articulation joint 11200, thesurgical instrument 12000 further comprises a staple firing system12900, for example, including a firing bar 12910 extending through thearticulation joint 11200. In use, the firing bar 12910 is translatabledistally to perform a staple firing stroke and retractable proximallyafter at least a portion of the staple firing stroke has been completed.The firing bar 12910 extends through a channel, or slot, 11190 definedin the frame 11180 of the shaft 11100 which is configured to closelyreceive and/or guide the firing bar 12910 as the firing bar 12910 movesrelative to the shaft 11100. Similarly, the end effector 11500 comprisesa channel, or slot, 11590 defined in the frame 11580 of the end effector11500 which is also configured to closely receive and/or guide thefiring bar 12910 as the firing bar 12910 moves relative to the endeffector 11500

Further to the above, the channels 11190 and 11590 do not extend intothe articulation joint 11200 and, without more, the firing bar 12910 maybe unsupported within the articulation joint 11200. When the endeffector 11500 is in an unarticulated configuration (FIG. 34), thefiring bar 12910 is unlikely to buckle within the articulation joint11120 during the staple firing stroke—however, the likelihood of thefiring bar 12910 buckling laterally during the staple firing strokeincreases when the end effector 11500 is in an articulated configuration(FIGS. 34A and 34B). To reduce the possibility of such buckling, thesurgical instrument 12000 further comprises a firing bar support 12400configured to support the firing bar 12910. The firing bar support 12400comprises a proximal portion 12410 connected to the shaft frame 11180, adistal portion 12430 connected to the end effector frame 11580, and anintermediate portion 12420 extending between the proximal portion 12410and the distal portion 12430. The portions 12410, 12420, and 12430 ofthe firing bar support 12400 are integrally formed; however, otherembodiments are envisioned in which the portions 12410, 12420, and 12430are assembled to one another and/or comprise separate components.

Further to the above, the distal portion 12430 of the firing bar support12400 is fixedly mounted to the end effector frame 11580 and does notmove, or at least substantially move, relative to the end effector frame11580. The intermediate portion 12420 of the firing bar support 12400comprises one or more portions having a reduced cross-section which,among other things, allows the firing bar support 12400 to flex withinthe articulation joint 11200 when the end effector 11500 is articulated.The proximal portion 12410 of the firing bar support 12400 is slideablymounted to the shaft frame 11180 such that the firing bar support 12400can translate relative to the shaft frame 11180 when the end effector11500 is articulated. That said, the proximal portion 12410 of thefiring bar support 12400 comprises a proximal head 12415 that isslideable within a chamber, or cavity, 11185 defined within the shaftframe 11180 which can limit the travel of the firing bar support 12400.Embodiments are envisioned, however, without such a travel constraint.In any event, the proximal portion 12410, intermediate portion 12420,and distal portion 12430 of the firing bar support 12400 co-operativelydefine a channel, or slot, 12490 which is configured to support thefiring bar 12910—especially within the articulation joint 11200—andreduce the possibility of the firing bar 12910 buckling during thestaple firing stroke, for instance.

In various instances, the firing bar 12910 is comprised of a pluralityof parallel, or at least substantially parallel, layers. The layers areaffixed to a distal cutting member and can partially translate or slidelongitudinally relative to one another—especially within thearticulation joint 11200. Each such layer is configured to transmit aload in the same direction, i.e., proximally or distally, even thoughsuch layers can move, or slide, relative to one another. Further to theabove, such layers may splay laterally relative to oneanother—especially within the articulation joint 11200—when the endeffector 11500 has been articulated. The intermediate portion 12420 ofthe firing bar support 12400 comprises a plurality of connected controlelements which can at least reduce, if not prevent, the relative lateralsplay of the firing bar layers. Alternatively, as mentioned above, oneor more of the control elements can be unconnected to one another.

In addition to or in lieu of the firing bar support 12400, the surgicalinstrument 12000 comprises one or more dividers which separate andcontrol the layers of the firing bar 12910. Referring to FIGS. 34-34B,the shaft 11110 comprises a divider 12920 positioned within the layersof the firing bar 12910. Two layers of the firing bar 12910 arepositioned on one side of the divider 12920 while two layers arepositioned on the other side of the divider 12920, although any suitablearrangement can be used. The divider 12920 prevents half of the layersof the firing bar 12910 from splaying outwardly when the end effector11500 is articulated. Stated another way, the divider 12920 prevents thetwo right-most firing bar layers from splaying to the left when the endeffector 11500 is articulated to the right (FIG. 34A) and, similarly,the divider 12920 prevents the two left-most firing bar layers fromsplaying to the right when the end effector 11500 is articulated to theleft (FIG. 34B). The divider 12920 extends through the articulationjoint 11200 and the firing bar support 12400 and into the end effector11500 and can bend when the end effector 11500 is articulated.Accordingly, in such instances, the divider 12920 is flexible. Thedivider 12920 is mounted to the frame 11180 of the shaft 11110 and doesnot move relative to the frame 11180; however, embodiments areenvisioned in which the divider 12920 is not mounted to the frame 11180and can float within the firing bar layers.

A surgical instrument 13000, illustrated in FIGS. 35-39B, is similar tothe surgical instruments 11000 and 12000 in several respects, many ofwhich will not be repeated herein in the interest of brevity. Inaddition to a shaft 13100, an end effector 13500, and an articulationjoint 11200, the surgical instrument 13000 further comprises a staplefiring system 12900, for example, including a firing bar 12910 extendingthrough the articulation joint 11200. In use, the firing bar 12910 istranslatable distally to perform a staple firing stroke and retractableproximally after at least a portion of the staple firing stroke has beencompleted. Referring primarily to FIGS. 39-39B, the firing bar 12910extends through a channel, or slot, 13190 defined in the frame 13180 ofthe shaft 13100 which is configured to closely receive and/or guide thefiring bar 12190 as the firing bar 12910 moves relative to the shaft11100. Similarly, the end effector 13500 comprises a channel, or slot,defined in the frame 13580 of the end effector 13500 which is alsoconfigured to closely receive and/or guide the firing bar 12190 as thefiring bar 12910 moves relative to the end effector 13500

When the end effector 13500 is in an unarticulated configuration (FIG.39), further to the above, the firing bar 12910 is unlikely to bucklewithin the articulation joint 11120 during the staple firingstroke—however, the likelihood of the firing bar 12910 bucklinglaterally during the staple firing stroke increases when the endeffector 13500 is in an articulated configuration (FIGS. 39A and 39B).To reduce the possibility of such buckling, the surgical instrument13000 further comprises a firing bar support 13400 configured to supportthe firing bar 12190. The firing bar support 13400 comprises a firstlateral plate 13410 and a second lateral plate 13420. The lateral plates13410 and 13420 are positioned on opposite sides of the firing bar12910. Each lateral plate 13410, 13420 comprises a proximal portionconnected to the shaft frame 13180, a distal portion connected to theend effector frame 13580, and an intermediate portion extending betweenthe proximal portion and the distal portion. The portions of each plate13410, 13420 are integrally formed; however, other embodiments areenvisioned in which the portions are assembled to one another and/orcomprise separate components.

Further to the above, the first lateral plate 13410 comprises a distalportion 13416 which is fixedly mounted to the end effector frame 13580and does not move, or at least substantially move, relative to the endeffector frame 13580. Similarly, the second lateral plate 13420comprises a distal portion 13426 which is fixedly mounted to the endeffector frame 13580 and does not move, or at least substantially move,relative to the end effector frame 13580. The first lateral plate 13410comprises a proximal portion 13412 which is slideably mounted to theshaft frame 13180 such that the first lateral plate 13410 can translaterelative to the shaft frame 13180 when the end effector 13500 isarticulated. The proximal portion 13412 comprises a head that isslideable within a chamber, or cavity, 13185 defined within the shaftframe 13180 which can limit the travel of the firing bar support 13400.Similarly, the second lateral plate 13420 comprises a proximal portion13422 which is slideably mounted to the shaft frame 13180 such that thefiring bar support 13400 can translate relative to the shaft frame 13180when the end effector 13500 is articulated. The proximal portion 13422comprises a head that is slideable within the chamber 13185 definedwithin the shaft frame 13180 which can also limit the travel of thefiring bar support 13400.

The first lateral plate 13410 comprises a flexible portion 13414positioned in the articulation joint 11200 which permits the distalportion 13416 of the first lateral plate 13410 to flex relative to theproximal portion 13412 and accommodate the articulation of the endeffector 13500. The flexible portion 13414 extends laterally from thefirst lateral plate 13410 and comprises a hinge including gaps 13413defined therein which permit rotation within the first lateral plate13410. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the first lateral plate13410 comprises longitudinal openings 13415 defined therein which permitthe first lateral plate 13410 to flex within the end effector 13500 andaccommodate the articulation of the end effector 13500. The firstlateral plate 13410 can comprise any suitable number and configurationof openings and/or recesses defined therein at any suitable locationwhich are configured to permit the first lateral plate 13410 to flexduring the articulation of the end effector 13500. Similarly, the secondlateral plate 13412 comprises a flexible portion 13424 positioned in thearticulation joint 11200 which permits the distal portion 13426 of thesecond lateral plate 13420 to flex relative to the proximal portion13422 and accommodate the articulation of the end effector 13500. Theflexible portion 13424 extends laterally from the first lateral plate13420 and comprises a hinge including gaps defined therein which permitrotation within the second lateral plate 13420. In addition to or inlieu of the above, the second lateral plate 13420 comprises longitudinalopenings defined therein which permit the second lateral plate 13420 toflex within the end effector 13500 and accommodate the articulation ofthe end effector 13500. The second lateral plate 13420 can comprise anysuitable number and configuration of openings and/or recesses definedtherein at any suitable location which are configured to permit thesecond lateral plate 13420 to flex during the articulation of the endeffector 13500.

Further to the above, the lateral plates 13410 and 13420 are flexibleand can resiliently return to their unflexed configurations when the endeffector 13500 is returned to its unarticulated configuration. Invarious instances, the lateral plates 13410 and 13420 comprise springswhich resiliently bias the end effector 13500 into its unarticulatedconfiguration.

A firing member 24900 is illustrated in FIGS. 83 and 84 and can be usedwith any of the surgical stapling instruments disclosed herein. Thefiring member 24900 comprises a firing bar 24910 which, similar to theabove, comprises a plurality of layers. More specifically, the firingbar 24910 comprises two exterior layers 24911 and two interior layers24912. The firing member 24900 further comprises a distal cutting member24920 which includes a tissue cutting edge 24926. The distal cuttingmember 24920 further comprises a first cam 24922 configured to engage afirst jaw of an end effector and a second cam 24924 configured to engagea second jaw of the end effector. That said, embodiments are envisionedin which the distal cutting member 24920 is configured to only engageone jaw of an end effector or, alternatively, neither jaw of an endeffector.

The layers 24911 and 24912 of the firing bar 24910 are welded to thedistal cutting member 24920 at welds 24930. As illustrated in FIG. 84, afirst weld 24930 is present on a first side of the firing member 24900and a second weld 24930 is present on a second side of the firing member24900. The first weld 24930 penetrates a first exterior layer 24911 andthe adjacent interior layer 24912. In various instances, the first weld24930 penetrates entirely through the adjacent interior layer 24912and/or also penetrates into the other interior layer 24912. The secondweld 24930 penetrates a second exterior layer 24911 and the adjacentinterior layer 24912. In various instances, the second weld 24930penetrates entirely through the adjacent interior layer 24912 and/oralso penetrates into the other interior layer 24912.

Referring primarily to FIG. 83, each weld 24930 of the firing member24900 comprises a weld line which is configured to securely hold thefiring bar 24910 to the cutting member 24920 and, at the same time,provide a flexible connection there between. Each weld 24930 comprises abutt weld 24931 connecting the cutting member 24920 to the distal endsof the plates 24911 and 24912 and is placed in tension and/orcompression when a longitudinal firing force is transmitted through thefiring member 24900. The butt weld is orthogonal to, or at leastsubstantially orthogonal to, a longitudinal firing axis (FA) of thefiring member 24900. The butt weld 24931 can comprise any suitableconfiguration, such as a square, closed square, single-bevel,double-bevel, single-J, double-J, single-V, double-V, single-U,double-U, flange, flare, and/or tee configuration, for example.

Further to the above, each weld 24930 further comprises a distal hookweld portion 24932 and a proximal hook weld portion 24933. Each hookweld portion 24932 and 24933 comprises a longitudinal portion which isaligned with, or is parallel to, the longitudinal firing axis (FA) ofthe firing member 24900 and is placed in shear when a longitudinalfiring force is transmitted through the firing member 24900. Inaddition, each hook weld portion 24932 and 24933 comprises a buttportion which is orthogonal, or at least substantially orthogonal, tothe longitudinal firing axis (FA) and is placed in tension and/orcompression when a longitudinal firing force is transmitted through thefiring member 24900. Notably, each set of hook weld portions 24932 and24933 comprises an interlocking connection between the firing bar 24910and the cutting member 24920 which can transmit a flow of stress therebetween without failing and/or yielding unsuitably.

Each weld 24930 is generally L-shaped, for example; however, the welds24930 can comprise any suitable configuration.

Although the surgical instruments 10000, 11000, 12000, 13000, 14000,15000, 16000, 17000, 18000, 19000, 20000, 21000, 22000, and 23000 aresurgical staplers, their designs can be readily adapted to othersurgical instruments having articulable end effectors, among others.Such other surgical instruments can include, for example, clip appliers,fastener appliers, and/or surgical instruments capable of deliveringelectrical and/or vibrational energy to tissue.

FIG. 86 depicts a surgical staple cartridge 25100 comprising an elongatenose 25150 located at a distal end thereof, generally denoted as 25102.The elongate nose 25150 has a base 25152 that is defined by a firstlength 25154 extending a distance between the end of the staple line25056 and a distal tip 25142 of the staple cartridge 25100. The distaltip 25142 is formed at an angle σ from the base 25152 of the staplecartridge 25100. The distal tip 25142 on the staple cartridge 25100 ispointed and configured to serve as a parking area for a wedge sled, notshown, of the firing system upon the completion of a staple firingstroke.

In an effort to shorten the overall length of the staple cartridgewithout sacrificing length of stapled tissue, the surgical staplecartridge 25200 depicted in FIG. 85 comprises a cartridge body 25210including a shortened nose 25250 located at a distal end thereof,generally denoted as 25202. The shortened nose 25250 has a base 25252that is defined by a second length 25254 extending a distance betweenthe end of the staple line 25056 and a blunted distal tip 25242 of thestaple cartridge 25200. The second length 25254 of the shortened nose25250 is minimized by blunting the parking area for the wedge sled 25270(See FIG. 89). While the blunt, shortened nose 25250 of the staplecartridge 25200 in FIG. 85 still provides a parking area for the wedgesled, additional accommodations for storage may have to be made, as willbe discussed below. The blunted distal tip 25242 is formed at an angle γfrom the base 25252 of the staple cartridge 25200.

Upon comparing the staple cartridges 25200 and 25100 depicted in FIGS.85 and 86, respectively, the reader should recognize that the secondlength 25254 is shorter than the first length 25154. As a result, thelength of the staple cartridge 25200 beyond the end of the staple line25056 is minimized to allow for improved spatial access within asurgical site, among other things. The shortened nose 25250 alsoprevents the blunted distal tip 25242 from puncturing a seal on a trocarsystem, as discussed further below. Furthermore, one will recognize theangle γ of the blunted distal tip 25242 of the staple cartridge 25200with respect to the base 25252 is greater than the angle σ of thepointed distal tip 25142 of the staple cartridge 25100 with respect tothe base 25152. For example, the blunted distal tip 25242 can extend atan angle of approximately 45-50 degrees with respect to the base 25252of the staple cartridge 25200, while the pointed distal tip 25142 canextend at an angle of approximately 30 degrees with respect to the base25152 of the staple cartridge 25100. The steeper angle of the blunteddistal tip 25242 provides increased stability throughout distal regionsof the structure of the staple cartridge 25200.

FIG. 89 is a plan view of the staple cartridge 25200. The cartridge body25210 of the staple cartridge 25200 comprises an elongate slot 25230that extends from a proximal end 25204 of the staple cartridge 25200toward the distal, shortened nose 25250. A plurality of staple cavities25220 are formed within the cartridge body 25210. Staple cavities 25220extend between the proximal end 25204 and the distal end 25202 of thestaple cartridge 25200. The staple cavities 25220 are arranged in sixlaterally-spaced longitudinal rows 25221, 25222, 25223, 25224, 25225,25226, with three rows on each side of the elongate slot 25230.Removably positioned within the staple cavities 25220 are staples 25260.

FIG. 87 illustrates one embodiment of a triple staple driver 25240within the staple cartridge 25200 for supporting and driving threestaples 25260. The staple driver 25240 comprises a first driver portion25342, a second driver portion 25344, and a third driver portion 25346.A central base member 25348 connects the first driver portion 25342 andthe third driver portion 25346 to the second driver portion 25344. Thefirst driver portion 25342 is positioned at least partially distal tothe second driver portion 25344. Additionally, the third driver portion25346 is positioned at least partially distal to the second driverportion 25344. A plurality of first staple drivers 25240 are slidablymounted within corresponding staple cavities 25220 from the threelongitudinal rows 25221, 25222, 25223 on one side of the elongate slot25230. In other words, each first staple driver 25240 is configured tosupport three staples 25260: a staple 25260 stored within a staplecavity 25220 in the first longitudinal row 25221; a staple 25260 storedwithin a staple cavity 25220 in the second longitudinal row 25222; and astaple 25260 stored within a staple cavity 25220 in the thirdlongitudinal row 25223. Due to the distal position of the first driverportion 25342 and the third driver portion 25346 relative to the seconddriver portion 25344, the staples 25260 are fired in a reverse arrowconfiguration. As shown in FIG. 89, the last staples 25260 in the firstlongitudinal row 25221 and the third longitudinal row 25223 are closerto the shortened nose 25250 of the staple cartridge 25200 than the laststaple 25260 in the second longitudinal row 25222.

On the other side of the elongate slot 25230, a plurality of secondstaple drivers are mounted within corresponding staple cavities 25220 inthe three longitudinal rows 25224, 25225, 25226. Similar to the stapledriver 25240, the second staple drivers each comprise a first driverportion 25342, a second driver portion 25344, and a third driver portion25346. A central base member 25348 connects the first driver portion25342 and the third driver portion 25346 to the second driver portion25344. The first driver portion 25342 is positioned at least partiallydistal to the second driver portion 25344. Additionally, the thirddriver portion 25346 is positioned at least partially distal to thesecond driver portion 25344. As the staple driver 25240 above, eachsecond staple driver is configured to support three staples 25260: astaple 25260 stored within a staple cavity 25220 in the fourthlongitudinal row 25224, a staple 25260 stored within a staple cavity25220 in the fifth longitudinal row 25225, and a staple 25260 storedwithin a staple cavity 25220 in the sixth longitudinal row 25226. Due tothe distal position of the first driver portion 25342 and the thirddriver portion 25346 relative to the second driver portion 25344, thestaples 25260 are fired in a reverse arrow configuration. As shown inFIG. 89, the last staples 25260 in the fourth longitudinal row 25224 andthe sixth longitudinal row 25226 are closer to the shortened nose 25250of the staple cartridge 25200 than the last staple 25260 in the fifthlongitudinal row 25225.

The first driver portion 25342 of the staple driver 25240 has a firstforward support column 25352 and a first rearward support column 25354protruding upward from a first driver portion base. The first forwardsupport column 25352 and the first rearward support column 25354 arespaced from each other and collectively form a first staple cradle forsupporting a staple 25260 in an upright position (i.e., the prongs ofthe staple facing the anvil). Similarly, the second driver portion 25344has a second forward support column 25362 and a second rearward supportcolumn 25364 protruding upward from a second driver portion base. Thesecond forward support column 25362 and the second rearward supportcolumn 25364 are spaced from each other and collectively form a secondstaple cradle for supporting a staple 25260 in an upright position(i.e., the prongs of the staple facing the anvil). The third driverportion 25346 has a third forward support column 25372 and a thirdrearward support column 25374 protruding upward from a third driverportion base. The third forward support column 25372 and the thirdrearward support column 25374 are spaced from each other andcollectively form a third staple cradle for supporting a staple 25260 inan upright position (i.e., the prongs of the staple facing the anvil).

The center of mass of the first and third driver portions 25342, 25346is represented by the dashed line D-D. Similarly, the dashed line P-Prepresents the center of mass of the second driver portion 25344. Thecombined center of mass of the triple staple driver 25240 is representedin FIGS. 87 and 88 as dashed line C-C. As such, staple driver 25240 isless likely to roll forward. Notably, C-C is closer to D-D than P-Pwhich makes the staple driver 25240 very stable.

As discussed above, the central base member 25348 of the staple driver25240, depicted in FIG. 88, attaches the first driver portion 25342 andthe third driver portion 25346 to the second driver portion 25344. Thecentral base member 25348 extends laterally between the proximal ends ofthe first and third rearward support columns 25354, 25374 on the firstand third driver portions 25342, 25346, respectively, and the proximalend of the second forward support column 25362 on the second driverportion 25344. As can be seen in FIG. 90, the central base member 25348has an angled rearwardly facing edge 25349 adapted to be engaged by awedge sled 25270, as will be discussed in further detail below. Due tothe extension of the central base member 25348 between all three driverportions 25342, 25344, 25346, the midpoint of the rearwardly facing edge25349 may be bifurcated into a portion which is closer to the firstportion 25342 and a portion which is closer to the third portion 25346.Such an arrangement can balance moments created during the firing andformation of the staples 25260 stored within the staple cavities 25220.

Referring primarily to FIG. 89, each staple cavity 25220 defined in thecartridge body 25210 of the staple cartridge 25200 comprises a proximalwall 25264 and a distal wall 25262. The reverse arrow orientation formedby the arrangement of the first, second, and third driver portions25342, 25344, 25346 of the triple staple driver 25240 discussed above,reduces forward and/or lateral roll of the staple driver 25240 during astaple firing stroke. In various instances, the distal end of the firstforward support column 25352 and the distal end of the third forwardsupport column 25372 are pushed into the distal walls 25262 of theirrespective staple cavities 25220, which stabilize the driver 25240.Thus, when the sled 25270 (FIG. 89) lifts the staple driver 25240upwardly during the staple firing stroke, two distal walls 25262 of thestaple cavities 25220 provide an opposing force against the forwardsupport columns 25352, 25372, preventing any unwanted movement orrolling of the staple driver 25240.

As illustrated in FIGS. 87-90, the elongate slot 25230 of the staplecartridge 25200 is configured to receive a portion of a firing assembly25280. The firing assembly 25280 is configured to push the sled 25270distally to eject the staples 25260 stored within the staple cavities25220 and deform the staples 25260 against an anvil positioned oppositethe staple cartridge 25200. More specifically, a coupling member 25282pushes the wedge sled 25270 of the staple cartridge 25200 distally. Thewedge sled 25270 has four rails, two inner rails 25272 and two outerrails 25274 which are connected to each other by a central member 25276.One inner rail 25272 and one outer rail 25274 are positioned on one sideof the elongate slot 25230, while the other inner rail 25272 and theother outer rail 26274 are positioned on the opposite side of theelongate slot 25230. When driven distally, the inner rails 25272 passthrough inner channels 25212 defined within the cartridge body 25210 andengage the rearwardly facing edge 25349 of the drivers 25240 supportingthe staples 25260 to cause the firing of the staples toward the anvil.Likewise, the outer rails 25274 pass through outer channels 25214defined within the cartridge body 25210 and engage portions of thedrivers 25240 supporting the staples 25260 to push the staples towardthe anvil. Distal movement of the wedge sled 25270 causes the rails25272, 25274 to make contact with the rearwardly facing edges 25349 ofthe staple drivers 25240, pushing drivers 25240 upwards to eject thestaples 25260 from the staple cartridge 25200 into tissue capturedbetween the staple cartridge 25200 and an opposing anvil. The couplingmember 25282 also comprises a cutting edge 25284 which incises thetissue as the coupling member 25282 is advanced distally to eject thestaples 25260 from the cartridge body 25210.

Referring again to FIG. 87, the positioning of the first, second, andthird driver portions 25342, 25344, 25346 of the staple driver 25240between or adjacent an inner rail 25272 and an outer rail 25274 of thewedge sled 25270 provides increased lateral stability. Two rails, oneinner rail 25272 and one outer rail 25274, straddle the staple driver25240, providing increased support and stability of throughout a firingstroke. In addition to providing enhanced stability to the staple driver25240, another benefit of having a staple driver 25240 spanning acrosstwo rails 25272, 25274 of a wedge sled 25270 is a reduced force requiredto perform a firing stroke. The required force is decreased as there isless deflection and loss within the system. Additionally, the additionaldrive surface provided by the rearwardly facing edge 25349 allows forthe rails 25272, 25274 of the wedge sled 25270 to extend at a steeperangle from the base 25278 of the wedge sled 25270. The steeper angle ofthe wedge sled 25270 allows for an overall decrease in the length of thebase 25278 of the wedge sled 25270, further contributing to thereduction in length of the shortened nose 25250 of the staple cartridge25200. Upon the completion of the staple firing stroke, referring againto FIG. 89, the wedge sled 25270 of the firing assembly 25280 is parkedwithin the shortened nose 25250 of the staple cartridge 25200.

FIG. 89 depicts the wedge sled 25270 of the firing assembly 25280 parkedin the shortened nose 25250 upon the completion of the staple firingstroke. The shortened nose 25250 comprises a plurality of openings25292, 25294 at the distal end of the shortened nose 25250 to receivethe four rails 25272, 25274. The shortened nose 25250 further comprisesan opening 25296 configured to receive the central sled member 25276 ofthe wedge sled 25270. Thus, portions of the rails 25272, 25274 andcentral sled member 25276 of the wedge sled 25270 are exposed at thedistal end 25202 of the staple cartridge 25200. The openings 25292,25294 are continuations of the channels 25212, 25214 within which therails 25272, 25274 of the wedge sled 25270 slidably travel. Two inneropenings 25292 are configured to receive the two inner rails 25272 ofthe wedge sled 25270, while two outer openings 25294 are configured toreceive the two outer rails 25274 of the wedge sled 25270. A centralopening 25296 in the center of the distal portion 25202 of the shortenednose 25250 is configured to receive the central member 25276 of thewedge sled 25270. The openings 25292, 25294, 25296 at the distal end25202 of the shortened nose 25250 allow for the staple firing stroke tobe completed and for the wedge sled 25270 to be parked in a shorteneddistal end.

Referring again to FIG. 89, the staple cartridge 25200 further includesprojections 25262 extending around the proximal and distal ends of thestaple cavities 25220. The projections 25262 in the first longitudinalrow 25221 are shown to be singular, while the projections in the secondand third longitudinal rows 25222, 25223 are shown to be connected. Theprojections 25262 are configured to provide additional support to thestaples 25260 as they are fired upwardly out of their staple cavities25220. Furthermore, the projections 25264 formed on the distalmoststaple cavity 25220 are ramped to control the flow of tissue into theend effector. A more detailed discussion of the projections can be foundin U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297228, entitledFASTENER CARTRIDGES INCLUDING EXTENSIONS HAVING DIFFERENTCONFIGURATIONS, filed on Jun. 30, 2014, the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference.

FIG. 91 illustrates some of the advantages gained by using the shortenedstaple cartridge 25200 from FIG. 85 instead of the elongate staplecartridge 25100 from FIG. 86. Both staple cartridges are suitable forvarious surgical procedures, including, for example, Low AnteriorResection Surgery (LAR). LAR is a common treatment for colorectalcancer, for example. Such procedures require precise dissection andsealing of tissue deep within the pelvic cavity of a patient. As will bediscussed in more detail below, the shortened length of the staplecartridge 25200, owing to the shortened nose 25250 in FIG. 85, amongother things, allows the end effector of the surgical instrument to gaingreater access to tissue within the pelvic cavity. The reader shouldunderstand that the staple cartridges described herein can be used invarious surgical treatments and are not to be limited by the specificprocedures discussed herein.

Further to the above, the short staple cartridge 25200 is part of afirst end effector 25202 on a first surgical instrument 25201 which alsoincludes an anvil 25203. The first surgical instrument 25201 furthercomprises a first shaft 25206 that is rotatably connected to the firstend effector 25202. The first end effector 25202 is articulable about anarticulation joint 25208 positioned intermediate the first end effector25202 and the first shaft 25206. The first end effector 25202 is capableof being articulated to an angle α with respect to the first shaft25206. Similarly, the elongate staple cartridge 25100 is part of asecond end effector 25102 on a second surgical instrument 25101 whichalso includes an anvil 25103. Also, the second surgical instrument 25101further comprises a second shaft 25106 that is rotatably connected tothe second end effector 25102. The second end effector 25102 isarticulable about an articulation joint 25108 positioned intermediatethe second end effector 25102 and the second shaft 25106. The second endeffector 25102 is capable of being articulated to an angle β withrespect to the second shaft 25106.

Further to the above, in use, a clinician inserts the end effector 25202through a cannula, or trocar, and into a patient when the end effector25202 is in its unarticulated condition. Once through the trocar, theend effector 25202 can be articulated as illustrated in FIG. 91. At suchpoint, the shaft 25206 can be moved to position the end effector 25202in the pelvic cavity. Similar steps would be used to position the endeffector 25102.

The first end effector 25202 is able to reach a distance X₁ from thepelvic floor within the pelvic cavity during a LAR procedure. The secondend effector 25102 is able to reach a distance X₂ from the pelvic floorwithin the pelvic cavity during a LAR procedure. Distance X₁ is shorterthan distance X₂, allowing the first surgical instrument 25201 to beplaced deeper into the pelvic cavity than the second surgical instrument25101, giving the surgeon the capability to, among other things, target,access, and remove a greater array of diseased tissue from the colon.Additionally, the articulation capabilities of the first surgicalinstrument 25201 allow deeper access to tissue within the surgical sitewhile inflicting minimal trauma to surrounding tissue. The first endeffector 25202 is able to be articulated to a greater degree than thesecond end effector 25102, as β is larger than α. For example, the firstend effector 25202 may be articulated to an angle 115 degrees from thefirst shaft 25206, while the second end effector 25102 may only bearticulated to an angle 135 degrees from the second shaft 25106.

As illustrated in FIG. 91, the staple cartridge 25100 and the anvil25103 of the end effector 25102 have approximately the same length, butthe staple cartridge 25100 is noticeably longer than the anvil 25103.Comparatively, the staple cartridge 25200 and the anvil 25203 of the endeffector 25202 are substantially the same length, if not the samelength. In any event, the difference in length between the staplecartridge 25200 and the anvil 25203 of the end effector 25202, if any,is much smaller than the end effector 25102.

An extreme difference between the distal end of a staple cartridge and adistal end of an anvil can cause damage to a trocar when the endeffector is inserted there through. Referring to FIG. 92, an endeffector 25810 comprises a distal end 25802, an anvil 25820, and astaple cartridge 25830. The staple cartridge 25830 has a blunt,shortened nose 25840 similar to the shortened nose 25250 on the staplecartridge 25200 in FIG. 85. As can be seen in FIGS. 92 and 93, the anvil25820 has a protective tip 25822 thereon. The protective tip 25822 issized and positioned on the anvil 25820 in a way that causes the anvil25820 to be shorter in length than the staple cartridge 25830. Thus, theshortened nose 25840 of the staple cartridge 25830 extends distallyrelative to the anvil 25820. The protective tip 25822 may be integrallyformed (molded, machined, etc.) on the distal end 25802 of the anvil25820 or it may comprise a separate piece configured to receive acomplementary portion of the anvil. A more extensive discussion ofprotective tips can be found U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2008/0169328, entitled IMPROVED BUTTRESS MATERIAL FOR USE WITH ASURGICAL STAPLER, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

As can be seen in FIGS. 92 and 93, the protective tip 25822 of the anvil25820 has a first curved, or angled, outer surface 25824 and a secondcurved, or angled, outer surface 25826 configured to form a stubbydistal end on the anvil 25820. The first angled outer surface 25824extends downwardly from a top surface 25828 of the anvil 25820 at afirst angle ϕ. The second angled outer surface 25826 extends downwardlyfrom the first angled outer surface 25824 toward the staple cartridge25830 at a second angle θ. The second angle θ is greater than the firstangle ϕ. Various embodiments are envisions in which angle θ isapproximately 90 degrees, for example. Other embodiments of theprotective tip 25822 are envisioned having only one of either a firstangled outer surface 25824 or a second angled outer surface 25826. Thefirst angled outer surface 25824 serves to deflect a centering ring of atrocar seal assembly during the insertion of the end effector 25810through the trocar. When the second angle θ gets farther from 90degrees, and/or when the first and second curved outer surfaces 25824,25826 are not continuous, the anvil 25820 might pierce through a trocarseal or can displace the centering ring of a trocar seal system, as willbe discussed in greater detail below.

A protective tip can be attached to an anvil in any suitable manner.FIGS. 94-99 illustrate exemplary embodiments of separately formedprotective tips 25922, 26022, and various methods for their attachmentto an anvil. As depicted in FIGS. 94-96, a distal portion of an anvil25920 comprises an attachment feature including attachment members25927, 25929 which are configured to retainingly mate with complementaryretention channels 25926, 25928 formed in the protective tip 25922. Morespecifically, a central retention channel 25928 is formed within theprotective tip 25922 to receive a central attachment member 25929 of theanvil 25920. A pair of side retention channels 25296 is formed withinthe protective tip 25922 to receive a pair of corresponding sideattachment members 25927 on the anvil 25920. FIG. 96 is across-sectional view of the anvil 25920 of FIG. 94 taken along the line96-96 in FIG. 95 in a disassembled configuration showing the alignmentof the retention channels 25926, 25928 with their respective attachmentmembers 25927, 25929. An elongate slot 25994 extends longitudinally fromthe proximal end 25904 of the anvil 25920 toward the distal end 25902 ofthe anvil 25920. The elongate slot 25994 is configured to receive aportion of the firing assembly discussed herein.

In addition, or in the alternative, to the above, the protective tip25922 may be secured to the anvil 25920 using rivets 25924. As shown inFIG. 96, a through-hole 25925 extends through the central retentionchannel 25928 of the protective tip 25922. A through-hole 25925 alsoextends through the central attachment member 25929 of the anvil 25920so that when the protective tip 25922 is attached to the anvil 25920,the through-holes 25925 line up to facilitate the insertion of a rivet25924 therein. FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil 25920 ofFIG. 94 taken along line 95-95 in FIG. 94 in a disassembledconfiguration illustrating a rivet assembly for removably affixing theprotective tip 25922 to the anvil 25920. In addition, or in thealternative, to the above, the protective tip 25922 may be affixed tothe anvil 25920 by adhesives such as, for example, cyanoacrylates,light-curable acrylics, polyurethanes, silicones, epoxies, and/orultra-violet curable adhesives such as HENKEL LOCTITE®. In any event, acombination of attachment members and retention channels may be providedon the anvil 25920 and the protective tip 25922. Still other forms ofattachments and attachment arrangements may be used to affix theprotective tip 25922 to the anvil 25920.

FIGS. 97-99 illustrate another embodiment of a tip attachmentarrangement. A distal portion of an anvil 26020 comprises attachmentmembers 26027 configured to retainingly mate with complementaryretention channels 26026 defined in the protective tip 26022. Inaddition, a central retention channel 26028 defined within theprotective tip 26022 is configured to receive a central attachmentmember 26029 of the anvil 26020. FIG. 98 is a cross-sectional view ofthe anvil 26020 of FIG. 97 taken along the line 98-98 in FIG. 97 in adisassembled configuration showing the alignment of the retentionchannels 26026, 26028 with their respective attachment members 26027,26029. FIG. 99 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil 26020 of FIG. 97taken along the line 99-99 in FIG. 97 in an assembled configuration. Theprotective tip 26022 is secured to the anvil 26020 using a compressionfit. The central attachment member 26029 is press-fit into the centralretention channel 26028, remaining in place due to the geometry of thecentral retention channel 26028. The central attachment member 26029 ofthe anvil 26020 in FIG. 98 has a trapezoidal shape that is mimicked bythe central retention channel 26028. An elongate slot 26094 extendslongitudinally from a proximal end 26004 of the anvil 26020 toward thedistal end 26002 of the anvil 26020. The elongate slot 26094 isconfigured to receive a portion of the firing assembly discussed herein.

In addition, or in the alternative, to the above, the protective tip26022 may be affixed to the anvil 26020 by adhesives such as, forexample, cyanoacrylates, light-curable acrylics, polyurethanes,silicones, epoxies, and/or ultra-violet curable adhesives such as HENKELLOCTITE®, for example. In various embodiments, a combination ofattachment members and retention channels may be provided on the anvil26020 and the protective tip 26022. Still other forms of attachments andattachment arrangements may be used to affix the protective tip 26022 tothe anvil 26020. FIGS. 97-99 further illustrate means for assisting auser in attaching the protective tip 26022 to the anvil 26020. FIG. 97illustrates the protective tip 26022 removably positioned within atemporary holder 26030. In order to releasably affix the protective tip26022 to the anvil 26020, the user presses the temporary holder 26030and the anvil 26020 together. The temporary holder 26030 may provide anadditional sterilization barrier to the protective tip 26022 while theprotective tip 26022 is affixed to the anvil 26020. Furthermore, thetemporary holder 26030 provides the user with an object that is moresubstantial to hold onto while attaching the protective tip 26022 to theanvil 26020, as the protective tip 26022 may be small in size. It isenvisioned that the temporary holder 26030 can be used across variousembodiments of protective tips, including the other embodimentsdisclosed herein.

Various protective anvil tips have been described and depicted herein asbeing used in connection with a linear end effector. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will readily appreciate, however, that the protectiveanvil tips described herein may be used in connection with a variety ofdifferent end effector configurations such as curved end effectors andother types of end effectors without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present disclosure. Thus, the protective tip described aboveshould not be limited solely to use in connection with linear endeffectors and/or staplers.

FIGS. 100-106 illustrate an exemplary practical application of thevarious end effectors described herein when they are inserted through atrocar seal system prior to being introduced into a surgical site. Thetrocar seal system 27040 of FIGS. 100-106 comprises a housing 27042configured to support a floating seal assembly 27050 and a centralopening 27044 configured to receive a surgical instrument. The floatingseal assembly 27050 comprises a first seal door 27052 and a second sealdoor 27054 that work together to prohibit gas from escaping from aninsufflated cavity in a patient during a surgical procedure. Thefloating seal assembly 27050 further comprises a centering ring 27058which is configured to guide a surgical instrument through the centralopening 27044 of the trocar seal system 27040. The floating sealassembly 27050 is attached to the housing 27042 of the trocar sealsystem 27040 through an annular resilient member 27056.

FIG. 100 depicts an end effector 27000 comprising an anvil 27010 and astaple cartridge 27020. The staple cartridge 27020 comprises a blunt,shortened nose 27022, similar to the shortened nose 25250 depicted onthe staple cartridge 25200 in FIG. 85. The distal end 27202 of the anvil27010 is pointed and does not have a protective tip, such as that shownin FIG. 92. As can be seen in FIG. 100, the anvil 27010 is shorter inlength than the staple cartridge 27020. In other words, the shortenednose 27022 of the staple cartridge 27020 extends longitudinally beyondthe distal end 27002 of the anvil 27010. Prior to inserting the endeffector 27000 through the trocar seal system 27040, the first seal door27052 and the second seal door 27054 extend inwardly to prevent gas fromescaping from the surgical site. FIG. 101 depicts the end effector 27000of FIG. 100 partially inserted into the trocar seal system 27040. Theshortened nose 27022 of the staple cartridge 27020 is the firstcomponent of the end effector 27000 to come into contact with the firstand second seal doors 27052, 27054 of the trocar seal system 27040,tilting the floating seal assembly 27050 to one side. Due to its bluntshape, the shortened nose 27022 does not damage the second seal door27054 despite exerting a force on it.

FIG. 102 depicts the end effector 27000 of FIGS. 100 and 101 when theend effector 27000 has been further introduced into the central opening27044 of the trocar seal system 27040. After the initial contact of theshortened staple cartridge nose 27022 with the trocar seal system 27040,the pointed distal end 27002 of the anvil 27010 contacts the first sealdoor 27052 of the trocar seal system 27040. In various instances, thepointed distal end 27002 of the anvil 27010 can rupture the first sealdoor 27052 of the trocar seal system 27040, as the contact between theshortened nose 27022 and the second seal door 27054 has already shiftedthe position of the floating seal assembly 27050 laterally. Asillustrated in FIG. 103, had the distal end 27002 of the anvil 27010comprised a protective tip 27012 similar to the protective tip 25822shown in FIG. 92, the risk of rupturing the first seal door 27052 wouldhave been reduced. The risk of rupture decreases with the use of aprotective tip 27012 on the anvil 27010, as the first seal door 27052will smoothly stretch around the protective tip 27012. Moreover, thesame length of the cartridge and the anvil reduces, or prevents, thepre-shifting of the floating seal assembly.

FIG. 104 depicts an end effector 27100 comprising an anvil 27110 and astaple cartridge 27120. The staple cartridge 27120 comprises a pointy,elongate nose 27122, similar to the elongate nose 25150 depicted on thestaple cartridge 25100 in FIG. 86. The distal end 27102 of the anvil27110 is pointed and does not have a protective tip, such as that shownin FIG. 92. The anvil 27110 is shorter in length than the staplecartridge 27120. In other words, the elongate nose 27122 of the staplecartridge 27120 extends longitudinally beyond the distal end 27102 ofthe anvil 27110. Prior to the insertion the end effector 27100 throughthe trocar seal system 27040, the first seal door 27052 and the secondseal door 27054 of the trocar seal system 27040 extend inwardly toprevent gas from escaping the surgical site. FIG. 105 depicts the endeffector 27100 of FIG. 104 when the end effector 27100 is initiallyinserted into the trocar seal system 27040. The elongate nose 27122 ofthe staple cartridge 27120 is the first component of the end effector27100 to come into contact with the first and second seal doors 27052,27054 of the trocar seal system 27040, tilting, or pre-shifting, thefloating seal assembly 27050 to one side as discussed above.

FIG. 106 depicts the end effector 27100 of FIGS. 104 and 105 when theend effector 27100 has been further introduced into the central opening27044 of the trocar seal system 27040. After the initial contact of theelongate nose 27122 of the staple cartridge 27120, the pointed distalend 27102 of the anvil 27110 contacts the first seal door 27052 of thetrocar seal system 27040. In various instances, the pointed distal end27102 of the anvil 27110 may rupture the first seal door 27052 of thetrocar seal system 27040, as the contact between the elongate nose 27122and the second seal door 27054 displaced the position of the floatingseal assembly 27050.

As discussed herein, a first staple cartridge can comprise a firstcartridge length and a second staple cartridge can comprise a secondcartridge length which is different than the first cartridge length. Invarious instances, an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument cancomprise a cartridge jaw configured to receive the first staplecartridge and, in the alternative, the second staple cartridge. Statedanother way, the cartridge jaw is configured to receive the first staplecartridge and the second staple cartridge, but not at the same time. Thefirst staple cartridge and the second staple cartridge each comprise aproximal end which is aligned with a proximal cartridge jaw datum whenit is positioned in the cartridge jaw. When the first cartridge lengthis longer than the second cartridge length, for instance, the distal endof the first staple cartridge would be positioned further away from theproximal cartridge jaw datum than the distal end of the second staplecartridge. The reader should understand that the second cartridge lengthcan be longer than the first cartridge length in other instances.

Further to the above, the end effector comprises an anvil jaw movablerelative to the cartridge jaw between an open, or unclamped, position,and a closed, or clamped, position. In alternative embodiments, thecartridge jaw is movable relative to the anvil jaw. In either event, theanvil jaw comprises a distal anvil end which is supported by the firststaple cartridge and the second staple cartridge, depending on whichstaple cartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaw. The distal anvilend is supported at a first location on the first cartridge jaw and at asecond location on the second cartridge jaw. In various instances, thefirst location and the second location may not be the same distance fromthe proximal cartridge jaw datum. In some instances, however, they canbe the same distance from the proximal cartridge jaw datum. Moreover, invarious instances, the first location is located a first distance awayfrom the distal end of the first staple cartridge while the secondlocation is located a second, or different, distance away from thedistal end of the second staple cartridge. In use, the tissue of apatient will be positioned between the anvil jaw and the cartridge jawbut, nonetheless, the support locations of the staple cartridges willstill support the anvil jaw, or the clamping load applied by the anviljaw.

In various instances, further to the above, the distal anvil end canextend distally beyond the distal end of the first staple cartridge whenthe end effector is in a clamped configuration and the first staplecartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaw and, similarly, the distalanvil end can extend distally beyond the distal end of the second staplecartridge when the end effector is in a clamped configuration and thesecond staple cartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaw. However,when the first cartridge length is longer than the second cartridgelength, in various instances, the distal anvil tip can extend distallybeyond the distal end of the second staple cartridge but not extenddistally beyond the distal end of the first staple cartridge. In suchinstances, the anvil jaw can be longer than the second staple cartridgewhen the second staple cartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaw butshorter than the first staple cartridge when the first staple cartridgeis positioned in the cartridge jaw. In some instances, the anvil jaw isthe same length as the first staple cartridge or the second staplecartridge.

Further to the above, the anvil jaw will deflect when it is moved intoits clamped position. Owing to the different cartridge lengths of thestaple cartridges, the deflection of the anvil jaw may be differentdepending on which staple cartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaw.As a result, the staple forming gap between the anvil jaw and the stapledrivers of the first cartridge jaw can be different than the stapleforming gap between the anvil jaw and the staple drivers of the secondcartridge jaw. In some instances, the difference in staple forming gapis negligible, and the staples ejected from the first staple cartridgeand the second staple cartridge will be formed to the same, or at leastsuitable, heights and sufficiently staple the tissue captured betweenthe anvil jaw and the cartridge jaw. In such instances, the unformedheight of the staples in the first staple cartridge can be the same asthe unformed height of the staples in the second staple cartridge. Inother instances, the unformed height of the staples in the first staplecartridge is different than the unformed height of the staples in thesecond staple cartridge. In such instances, taller staples can be usedin the first staple cartridge and shorter staples can be used in thesecond staple cartridge, for example, depending on the anticipateddeflection and/or orientation of the anvil jaw when clamped against thefirst and second staple cartridges. In at least one such instance, eachof the staples in the first staple cartridge has an unformed height in afirst unformed height range and each of the staples in the second staplecartridge has an unformed height in a second unformed height range. Insome instances, the first unformed height range is completely differentthan the second unformed height range while, in other instances, thefirst unformed height range partially overlaps the second unformedheight range.

As discussed above, the first staple cartridge and the second staplecartridge are selectively positioned in the cartridge jaw of the endeffector and, further to the above, the cartridge jaw further comprisesa bottom support or surface configured to support the staple cartridgeswhen they are seated in the cartridge jaw. Such a support can comprise avertical datum. In various instances, the first support location on thefirst staple cartridge and the second support location on the secondstaple cartridge, discussed above, are the same vertical distance fromthe vertical datum of the cartridge jaw. The vertical distance ismeasured orthogonally from the vertical datum, but can be measured inany suitable manner. In other instances, the first support location onthe first staple cartridge has a different vertical height than thesecond support location on the second staple cartridge. In suchinstances, the orientation and/or deflection of the anvil jaw when theanvil jaw is in its clamped position can be different as a result of thefirst support location and the second support location having differentvertical heights. Such different vertical heights can occur when thedistal end, or nose, of the first staple cartridge is different than thedistal end of the second staple cartridge, among other reasons.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivatedby an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems describedherein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances,the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by amanually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motorsdisclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a roboticallycontrolled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or toolassemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgicalinstrument system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENTARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719,for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrumentsystem in greater detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described inconnection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, theembodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments areenvisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps ortacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned whichutilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an endeffector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodesconfigured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an endeffector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrationalenergy to seal the tissue.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A surgical instrument that comprises an end effector. The end effectorcomprises a cartridge jaw and an anvil jaw, wherein one of the cartridgejaw and the anvil jaw is rotatable relative to the other about a closureaxis. The surgical instrument further comprises a shaft that comprises aframe defining a longitudinal shaft axis and a closure actuator, whereinthe closure actuator is translatable relative to the frame. The closureactuator comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a link. Thelink is rotatably connected to the proximal portion about a proximallink axis and to the distal portion about a distal link axis. Theproximal link axis and the distal link axis define a longitudinal linkaxis therebetween. The surgical instrument further comprises anarticulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected tothe shaft about an articulation axis defined by the articulation joint.The end effector is articulable within an articulation plane between anunarticulated position and an articulated position, wherein thearticulation axis is offset from the longitudinal shaft axis. Thelongitudinal link axis is not collinear with the longitudinal shaft axiswhen the end effector is in either the unarticulated position or thearticulated position.

Example 2

The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the proximal link axis ispositioned along the longitudinal shaft axis.

Example 3

The surgical instrument of Example 1 or 2, wherein the cartridge jawcomprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein.

Example 4

The surgical instrument of Example 3, wherein the staple cartridge isreplaceable.

Example 5

The surgical instrument of Example 3 or 4, further comprising a firingactuator which is separate and distinct from the closure actuator,wherein the firing actuator is actuatable to eject the staples from thestaple cartridge.

Example 6

The surgical instrument of Example 3, 4 or 5, wherein the longitudinallink axis is not parallel to the longitudinal shaft axis when the endeffector is in either the unarticulated position or the articulatedposition.

Example 7

The surgical instrument of Example 3, 4 or 5, wherein the end effectorfurther comprises a longitudinal end effector axis. The longitudinal endeffector axis is collinear with the longitudinal shaft axis when the endeffector is in the unarticulated position. The end effector furthercomprises a distal end positioned along the longitudinal end effectoraxis, wherein the distal link axis is offset with respect to an axisextending between the distal end and the proximal link axis when the endeffector is in either of the unarticulated position and the articulatedposition.

Example 8

A surgical instrument that comprises an end effector. The end effectorcomprises a longitudinal end effector axis, a distal end positionedalong the end effector axis, a cartridge jaw, and an anvil jaw, whereinone of the cartridge jaw and the anvil jaw is rotatable relative to theother about a closure axis. The surgical instrument further comprises ashaft that comprises a frame defining a longitudinal shaft axis and aclosure actuator translatable relative to the frame. The closureactuator comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a link. Thelink is rotatably connected to the proximal portion about a proximallink axis and to the distal portion about a distal link axis. Thesurgical instrument further comprises an articulation joint, wherein theend effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about an articulationaxis defined by the articulation joint. The end effector is articulablewithin an articulation plane between an unarticulated position and anarticulated position, wherein the articulation axis is offset from thelongitudinal shaft axis. The longitudinal end effector axis is alignedwith the longitudinal shaft axis when the end effector is in theunarticulated position. The distal link axis is offset with respect toan axis extending between the distal end of the end effector and theproximal link axis when the end effector is in either of theunarticulated position and the articulated position.

Example 9

The surgical instrument of Example 8, wherein the proximal link axis andthe distal link axis define a longitudinal link axis. The longitudinallink axis is not collinear with the longitudinal shaft axis when the endeffector is in either of the unarticulated position and the articulatedposition.

Example 10

The surgical instrument of Example 9, wherein the longitudinal link axisis not parallel to the longitudinal shaft axis when the end effector isin either of the unarticulated position and the articulated position.

Example 11

The surgical instrument of Example 8, 9 or 10, wherein the proximal linkaxis is positioned along the longitudinal shaft axis.

Example 12

The surgical instrument of Example 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the cartridgejaw comprises a staple cartridge including staples removably storedtherein.

Example 13

The surgical instrument of Example 12, wherein the staple cartridge isreplaceable.

Example 14

The surgical instrument of Example 12 or 13, further comprising a firingactuator which is separate and distinct from the closure actuator,wherein the firing actuator is actuatable to eject the staples from thestaple cartridge.

Example 15

A surgical instrument that comprises an end effector. The end effectorcomprises a longitudinal end effector axis, a distal end positionedalong the end effector axis, a first jaw, and a second jaw, wherein oneof the first jaw and the second jaw is rotatable relative to the otherbetween an open position and a closed position. The surgical instrumentfurther comprises a shaft that comprises a frame defining a longitudinalshaft axis and a closure actuator translatable relative to the frame.The closure actuator comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, anda link. The link is rotatably connected to the proximal portion about aproximal link axis and to the distal portion about a distal link axis.The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation joint, whereinthe end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about anarticulation axis defined by the articulation joint. The end effector isarticulable between an unarticulated position and an articulatedposition, wherein the articulation axis is positioned laterally withrespect to the longitudinal shaft axis. The longitudinal end effectoraxis is aligned with the longitudinal shaft axis when the end effectoris in the unarticulated position. The distal link axis is positionedlaterally with respect to an axis extending between the distal end ofthe end effector and the proximal link axis when the first jaw is in theopen position, the closed position, and any position between the openposition and the closed position.

Example 16

The surgical instrument of Example 15, wherein the proximal link axisand the distal link axis define a longitudinal link axis. Thelongitudinal link axis is not aligned with the longitudinal shaft axiswhen the first jaw is in the closed position regardless of whether theend effector is in the unarticulated position or the articulatedposition.

Example 17

The surgical instrument of Example 15 or 16, wherein the longitudinallink axis is not parallel to the longitudinal shaft axis when the firstjaw is in the closed position regardless of whether the end effector isin the unarticulated position or the articulated position.

Example 18

The surgical instrument of Example 15, 16 or 17, wherein the proximallink axis is positioned along the longitudinal shaft axis.

Example 19

The surgical instrument of Example 15, 16, 17 or 18, wherein the firstjaw comprises a staple cartridge including staples removably storedtherein.

Example 20

The surgical instrument of Example 19, wherein the staple cartridge isreplaceable.

Example 21

The surgical instrument of Example 19 or 20, further comprising a firingactuator which is separate and distinct from the closure actuator,wherein the firing actuator is actuatable to eject the staples from thestaple cartridge.

Example 22

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft that comprises a proximal end,a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal endand the distal end. The surgical instrument further comprises an endeffector that comprises an end effector frame rotatably coupled to theshaft about an articulation pivot, wherein the articulation pivotdefines a fixed articulation axis, and wherein the fixed articulationaxis is positioned laterally offset with respect to the longitudinalaxis. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drivercoupled to the end effector frame at an attachment location, wherein thearticulation driver is movable into a proximal position to rotate theend effector into a first fully-articulated position and a distalposition to rotate the end effector into a second fully-articulatedposition. The proximal position and the distal position define anarticulation stroke of the articulation driver, wherein the articulationstroke has an articulation stroke length. A lateral moment arm isdefined between the attachment location and the fixed articulation axis,wherein the lateral moment arm is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.The surgical instrument is configured such that a ratio of the lateralmoment arm to the articulation stroke length is maximized.

Example 23

The surgical instrument of Example 22, wherein the end effector ispositionable in an unarticulated position which is aligned with thelongitudinal axis. The end effector is swept through a first arc lengthwhen the end effector is moved from the unarticulated position to thefirst fully-articulated position. The end effector is swept through asecond arc length when the end effector is moved from the unarticulatedposition to the second fully-articulated position.

Example 24

The surgical instrument of Example 23, wherein the first arc length isequal to the second arc length.

Example 25

The surgical instrument of Example 23, wherein the first arc length andthe second arc length are different.

Example 26

The surgical instrument of Example 22, 23, 24 or 25, wherein the ratiois between 1.1 and 1.4.

Example 27

The surgical instrument of Example 22, 23, 24, 25 or 26, wherein theattachment location is swept through an articulation arc length when theend effector is moved between the first fully-articulated position andthe second fully-articulated position.

Example 28

The surgical instrument of Example 27, wherein the surgical instrumentis configured such that an articulation ratio comprising thearticulation arc length to the articulation stroke length is maximized.

Example 29

The surgical instrument of Example 28, wherein the articulation ratio isbetween 1.2 and 1.7.

Example 30

The surgical instrument of Example 27, 28 or 29, wherein the surgicalinstrument is configured such that a ratio comprising the product of thearticulation arc length and the lateral moment arm to the articulationstroke length is maximized.

Example 31

The surgical instrument of Example 30, wherein the ratio is between 1and 3.

Example 32

The surgical instrument of Example 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,or 31, wherein the end effector further comprises a staple cartridgecomprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 33

The surgical instrument of Example 32, wherein the staple cartridge isreplaceable.

Example 34

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft that comprises a proximal end,a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal endand the distal end. The surgical instrument further comprises an endeffector that comprises an end effector frame rotatably coupled to theshaft about an articulation pivot, wherein the articulation pivotdefines a fixed articulation axis, and wherein the fixed articulationaxis is positioned laterally offset with respect to the longitudinalaxis. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drivercoupled to the end effector frame at an attachment location. Thearticulation driver is movable into a proximal position to rotate theend effector into a first fully-articulated position and a distalposition to rotate the end effector into a second fully-articulatedposition. The proximal position and the distal position define anarticulation stroke of the articulation driver. The articulation strokehas an articulation stroke length, wherein a lateral moment arm isdefined between the attachment location and the fixed articulation axis.The lateral moment arm is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. Thesurgical instrument is configured such that a ratio of the lateralmoment arm to the articulation stroke length is larger than 1.

Example 35

The surgical instrument of Example 34, wherein the ratio is between 1.1and 1.4.

Example 36

The surgical instrument of Example 34 or 35, wherein the attachmentlocation is swept through an articulation arc length when the endeffector is moved between the first fully-articulated position and thesecond fully-articulated position.

Example 37

The surgical instrument of Example 36, wherein the surgical instrumentis configured such that an articulation ratio comprising thearticulation arc length to the articulation stroke length is maximized.

Example 38

The surgical instrument of Example 37, wherein the articulation ratio isbetween 1.2 and 1.7.

Example 39

The surgical instrument of Example 36, wherein the surgical instrumentis configured such that a ratio comprising the product of thearticulation arc length and the lateral moment arm to the articulationstroke length is maximized.

Example 40

The surgical instrument of Example 39, wherein the articulation ratio isbetween 1 and 3.

Example 41

The surgical instrument of Example 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40, whereinthe end effector further comprises a staple cartridge comprising staplesremovably stored therein.

Example 42

The surgical instrument of Example 41, wherein the staple cartridge isreplaceable.

Example 43

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft that comprises a proximal end,a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal endand the distal end. The surgical instrument further comprises an endeffector that comprises an end effector frame rotatably coupled to theshaft about an articulation pivot, wherein the articulation pivotdefines a fixed articulation axis, and wherein the fixed articulationaxis is positioned laterally offset with respect to the longitudinalaxis. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drivercoupled to the end effector frame at an attachment location, wherein thearticulation driver is movable into a proximal position to rotate theend effector into a first fully-articulated position and a distalposition to rotate the end effector into a second fully-articulatedposition. The proximal position and the distal position define anarticulation stroke of the articulation driver, wherein the articulationstroke has an articulation stroke length. The attachment location isswept through an articulation arc length when the end effector is movedbetween the first fully-articulated position and the secondfully-articulated position. A lateral moment arm is defined between theattachment location and the fixed articulation axis, wherein the lateralmoment arm is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The surgicalinstrument is configured such that a ratio of the product of the lateralmoment arm and the articulation arc length to the articulation strokelength is larger than 1.

Example 44

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft that comprises a proximal end,a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal endand the distal end. The surgical instrument further comprises an endeffector comprising an end effector frame rotatably coupled to the shaftabout an articulation pivot, wherein the articulation pivot defines afixed articulation axis, and wherein the fixed articulation axis ispositioned laterally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis. Thesurgical instrument further comprises an articulation driver coupled tothe end effector frame at an attachment location, wherein thearticulation driver is movable into a proximal position to rotate theend effector into a first fully-articulated position and a distalposition to rotate the end effector into a second fully-articulatedposition. The proximal position and the distal position define anarticulation stroke of the articulation driver, wherein the articulationstroke has an articulation stroke length. A lateral moment arm isdefined between the attachment location and the fixed articulation axis.The surgical instrument further comprises means for increasing thelateral moment arm while limiting the articulation stroke.

Example 45

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft that comprises a proximal end,a distal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end andthe distal end, and an outer housing that comprises a shaft radiusdefined with respect to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrumentfurther comprises an end effector that comprises an end effector framerotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation pivot, wherein thearticulation pivot defines a fixed articulation axis, and wherein thefixed articulation axis is positioned laterally offset with respect tothe longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument further comprises anarticulation driver coupled to the end effector frame at an attachmentlocation, wherein the articulation driver is movable proximally torotate the end effector in a first direction, wherein the articulationdriver is movable distally to rotate the end effector in a seconddirection which is opposite the first direction. A lateral moment arm isdefined between the attachment location and the fixed articulation axis.The lateral moment arm is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, wherein aratio of the shaft radius to the lateral moment arm is less than 1.4.

Example 46

The surgical instrument of Example 45, wherein the ratio is less than1.3.

Example 47

The surgical instrument of Example 45, wherein the ratio is less than1.2.

Example 48

The surgical instrument of Example 45, wherein the ratio is less than1.1.

Example 49

The surgical instrument of Example 45, 46, 47 or 48, wherein the endeffector is rotatable a first distance in the first direction and asecond distance in the second direction, and wherein the first distanceand the second distance are equal.

Example 50

The surgical instrument of Example 45, 46, 47 or 48, wherein the endeffector is rotatable through a first range in the first direction and asecond range in the second direction, and wherein the first range andthe second range are not equal.

Example 51

The surgical instrument of Example 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 or 50, furthercomprising a staple cartridge including staples removably storedtherein.

Example 52

The surgical instrument of Example 51, wherein the staple cartridge isreplaceable.

Example 53

The surgical instrument of Example 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 or 52,wherein the outer housing defines an inner aperture, and wherein theshaft radius is defined by the inner aperture.

Example 54

The surgical instrument of Example 53, wherein the shaft comprises ashaft frame extending through the inner aperture, and wherein the endeffector frame is rotatably coupled to the shaft frame.

Example 55

The surgical instrument of Example 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 or54, wherein the shaft comprises a first longitudinal portion and asecond longitudinal portion, wherein the shaft radius of the outerhousing comprises a first shaft radius in the first longitudinal portionand a second shaft radius in the second longitudinal portion, andwherein the first shaft radius is different than the second shaftradius.

Example 56

A shaft assembly comprising a shaft that comprises a proximal end, adistal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end andthe distal end, and an outer housing comprising a shaft radius definedwith respect to the longitudinal axis. The shaft assembly furthercomprises an end effector that comprises an end effector frame rotatablycoupled to the shaft about an articulation pivot, wherein thearticulation pivot defines a fixed articulation axis, and wherein thefixed articulation axis is positioned laterally offset with respect tothe longitudinal axis. The shaft assembly further comprises anarticulation driver coupled to the end effector frame at an attachmentlocation. The articulation driver is movable proximally to rotate theend effector in a first direction, wherein the articulation driver ismovable distally to rotate the end effector in a second direction whichis opposite the first direction. A lateral moment arm is defined betweenthe attachment location and the fixed articulation axis. The lateralmoment arm is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, wherein the shaftassembly is configured such that a ratio of the shaft radius to thelateral moment arm is minimized.

Example 57

The shaft assembly of Example 56, wherein the ratio is less than 1.4.

Example 58

The shaft assembly of Example 56, wherein the ratio is less than 1.1.

Example 59

The shaft assembly of Example 56, 57 or 58, further comprising a staplecartridge including staples removably stored therein.

Example 60

The shaft assembly of Example 59, wherein the staple cartridge isreplaceable.

Example 61

The shaft assembly of Example 56, 57, 58, 59 or 60, wherein the outerhousing defines an inner aperture, and wherein the shaft radius isdefined by the inner aperture.

Example 62

The shaft assembly of Example 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 or 61, wherein theshaft comprises a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinalportion. The shaft radius of the outer housing comprises a first shaftradius in the first longitudinal portion and a second shaft radius inthe second longitudinal portion. The first shaft radius is differentthan the second shaft radius.

Example 63

A surgical instrument that comprises a shaft that comprises an outerhousing that comprises a shaft radius. The surgical instrument furthercomprises an end effector that comprises an end effector frame rotatablycoupled to the shaft about an articulation pivot, wherein thearticulation pivot defines an articulation axis, and wherein thearticulation axis is positioned laterally offset with respect to acenterline of the shaft. The surgical instrument further comprises anarticulation driver coupled to the end effector frame at an attachmentlocation. The articulation driver is movable proximally to rotate theend effector in a first direction into a first fully-articulatedposition, wherein the articulation driver is movable distally to rotatethe end effector in a second direction into a second fully-articulatedposition. A lateral moment arm is defined between the attachmentlocation and the articulation axis. The lateral moment arm is orthogonalto the centerline of the shaft, and wherein a ratio of the shaft radiusto the lateral moment arm is between 1 and 1.4.

Example 64

A surgical instrument that comprises a shaft and an end effector. Theend effector comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a first jaw, and asecond jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw betweenan open position and a closed position, wherein one of the first jaw andthe second jaw comprises a staple cartridge including staples removablystored therein. The surgical instrument further comprises anarticulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected tothe shaft about the articulation joint. The surgical instrument furthercomprises an articulation rod operably connected to the end effector.The articulation rod is movable distally to rotate the end effector in afirst direction, wherein the articulation rod is movably proximally torotate the end effector in a second direction. The surgical instrumentfurther comprises a closure tube configured to engage the first jaw andmove the first jaw toward the closed position during a closure stroke,wherein the closure tube is slidable over the articulation joint duringthe closure stroke. The surgical instrument further comprises a staplefiring assembly. The staple firing assembly comprises a cutting membermovable through the end effector during a staple firing stroke, a firingbar attached to the cutting member, wherein the firing bar comprises aplurality of flexible layers, and wherein the firing bar extends throughthe articulation joint. The staple firing assembly further comprises asupport positioned within the flexible layers, wherein the support ispositioned proximally to the articulation joint. The staple firingsystem further comprises a plurality of control elements, wherein eachthe control element comprises an aperture defined therein. The firingbar extends through the apertures. The control elements are configuredto hold the flexible layers together.

Example 65

The surgical instrument of Example 64, wherein the control elements arepositioned within the articulation joint.

Example 66

The surgical instrument of Example 64 or 65, wherein the first jawcomprises the staple cartridge.

Example 67

The surgical instrument of Example 64 or 65, wherein the second jawcomprises the staple cartridge.

Example 68

The surgical instrument of Example 64, 65, 66 or 67, wherein the cuttingmember is welded to the firing bar.

Example 69

The surgical instrument of Example 64, 65, 66, 67 or 68, wherein thecontrol elements are connected to one another.

Example 70

The surgical instrument of Example 64, 65, 66, 67 or 68, wherein thecontrol elements are unconnected to one another.

Example 71

The surgical instrument of Example 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 or 70, whereinthe control elements are unconnected to one another.

Example 72

The surgical instrument of Example 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 or 71,wherein the articulation joint defines a fixed axis of rotation aboutwhich the end effector is rotated.

Example 73

A surgical instrument that comprises a shaft defining a longitudinalaxis and an end effector. The end effector comprises a proximal end, adistal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is movablerelative to the second jaw between an unclamped position and a clampedposition. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulationjoint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaftabout the articulation joint. The surgical instrument further comprisesan articulation linkage operably connected to the end effector, whereinthe articulation linkage is movable distally to rotate the end effectorin a first direction, and wherein the articulation linkage is movablyproximally to rotate the end effector in a second direction. Thesurgical instrument further comprises a clamping member configured toengage the first jaw and move the first jaw toward the clamped positionduring a clamping stroke, wherein the clamping member is slidablerelative to the articulation joint during the clamping stroke. Thesurgical instrument further comprises a staple firing assembly. Thestaple firing assembly comprises a cutting member movable through theend effector during a staple firing stroke and a firing member. Thefiring member comprises a plurality of flexible layers attached to thecutting member, wherein the flexible layers are configured to slidelongitudinally relative to one another. The firing member extendsthrough the articulation joint. The surgical instrument furthercomprises control elements, wherein each the control element comprisesan aperture defined therein. The firing bar extends through theapertures, wherein the control elements are configured to hold theflexible layers together.

Example 74

The surgical instrument of Example 73, wherein the control elements arepositioned within the articulation joint.

Example 75

The surgical instrument of Example 73 or 74, wherein the first jawcomprises a staple cartridge.

Example 76

The surgical instrument of Example 73 or 74, wherein the second jawcomprises a staple cartridge.

Example 77

The surgical instrument of Example 73, 74, 75, or 76, wherein thecutting member is welded to the firing bar.

Example 78

The surgical instrument of Example 73, 74, 75, 76 or 77, wherein thecontrol elements are connected to one another.

Example 79

The surgical instrument of Example 73, 74, 75, 76 or 77, wherein thecontrol elements are connected to one another.

Example 80

The surgical instrument of Example 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 or 79, whereinthe shaft comprises a shaft frame, and wherein the support is mounted tothe shaft frame.

Example 81

A surgical instrument that comprises a shaft defining a longitudinalaxis and an end effector. The end effector comprises a proximal end, adistal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is movablerelative to the second jaw between an unclamped position and a clampedposition. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulationjoint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaftabout the articulation joint. The surgical instrument further comprisesan articulation linkage operably connected to the end effector. Thearticulation linkage is movable distally to rotate the end effector in afirst direction, wherein the articulation linkage is movably proximallyto rotate the end effector in a second direction. The surgicalinstrument further comprises a clamping member configured to engage thefirst jaw and move the first jaw toward the clamped position during aclamping stroke. The clamping member is slidable relative to thearticulation joint during the clamping stroke. The surgical instrumentfurther comprises a staple firing assembly. The staple firing assemblycomprises a cutting member and a firing member. The cutting member ismovable through the end effector during a staple firing stroke. Thefiring member comprises a plurality of flexible layers attached to thecutting member, wherein the flexible layers are configured to slidelongitudinally relative to one another. The firing member extendsthrough the articulation joint. The staple firing assembly furthercomprises a support positioned between two of the flexible layers. Thestaple firing assembly further comprises means for limiting lateraldisplacement between the flexible layers.

Example 82

The surgical instrument of Example 81, wherein the first jaw comprises astaple cartridge.

Example 83

The surgical instrument of Example 81, wherein the second jaw comprisesa staple cartridge.

Example 84

A surgical instrument that comprises a shaft and an end effector. Theend effector comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axisextending between the proximal end and the distal end, a first jaw, anda second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jawbetween an unclamped position and a clamped position. The surgicalinstrument further comprises an articulation joint, wherein the endeffector is rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulationjoint. The surgical instrument further comprises a staple firingassembly. The staple firing assembly comprises a cutting member movablethrough the end effector during a staple firing stroke, wherein thecutting member comprises a first portion configured to engage the firstjaw and a second portion configured to engage the second jaw. The staplefiring assembly further comprises a firing member comprising a pluralityof flexible layers welded to the cutting member along a weld line. Theweld line comprises a longitudinal portion and a transverse portionwhich extends orthogonally to the longitudinal portion.

Example 85

The surgical instrument of Example 84, wherein the first jaw comprises astaple cartridge.

Example 86

The surgical instrument of Example 84, wherein the second jaw comprisesa staple cartridge.

Example 87

The surgical instrument of Example 84, 85 or 86, wherein the second jawcomprises a staple cartridge.

Example 88

The surgical instrument of Example 84, 85, 86 or 87, wherein the firingmember comprises a first lateral side and a second lateral side, andwherein the weld line is present on the first lateral side and thesecond lateral side.

Example 89

A surgical instrument that comprises a shaft comprising a shaft frameand an end effector. The end effector comprises a proximal frame, adistal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is movablerelative to the second jaw between an unclamped position and a clampedposition. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulationjoint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaftabout the articulation joint. The surgical instrument further comprisesa staple firing assembly that comprises a cutting member movable throughthe end effector during a staple firing stroke. The staple firingassembly further comprises a firing member, wherein the firing membercomprises a plurality of flexible layers attached to the cutting member,and wherein the firing member extends through the articulation joint.The surgical instrument further comprises a lateral spring supportpositioned adjacent the firing member. The lateral spring supportcomprises a distal end mounted to the proximal frame of the endeffector. The lateral spring support further comprises a proximal endconfigured to slide relative to the shaft frame

Example 90

The surgical instrument of Example 89, wherein the first jaw comprises astaple cartridge.

Example 91

The surgical instrument of Example 89, wherein the second jaw comprisesa staple cartridge.

Example 92

The surgical instrument of Example 89, 90 or 91, wherein the lateralspring support comprises a first lateral spring support positionedalongside a first lateral side of the firing member. The surgicalinstrument further comprises a second lateral spring support positionedalongside a second lateral side of the firing member.

Example 93

A surgical instrument that comprises a shaft and an end effector. Theend effector comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a first jaw, and asecond jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw betweenan open position and a closed position, wherein one of the first jaw andthe second jaw comprises a staple cartridge including staples removablystored therein. The surgical instrument further comprises anarticulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected tothe shaft about the articulation joint. The surgical instrument furthercomprises an articulation rod operably connected to the end effector,wherein the articulation rod is movable distally to rotate the endeffector in a first direction, and wherein the articulation rod ismovably proximally to rotate the end effector in a second direction. Thesurgical instrument further comprises a firing bar comprising aplurality of flexible layers, wherein the firing bar is movable throughthe articulation joint during a staple firing stroke. The surgicalinstrument further comprises a first flexible support positioned on afirst side of the firing bar, a second flexible support positioned on asecond side of the firing bar, and a plurality of control elements,wherein each the control element comprises an aperture defined therein.The firing bar extends through the apertures, wherein the first flexiblesupport, the second flexible support, and the control elements areconfigured to hold the flexible layers together.

Example 94

The surgical instrument of Example 93, wherein the first flexiblesupport and the second flexible support extend through at least some ofthe control element apertures.

Example 95

A surgical instrument that comprises an end effector that comprises aproximal end and a distal end. The surgical instrument further comprisesa shaft. The shaft comprises a frame, a lock plate moveable relative tothe frame wherein the lock plate comprises a first longitudinal rack oflock teeth. The shaft further comprises an articulation joint, whereinthe end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft by the articulationjoint. The shaft further comprises an articulation actuator operablyconnected to the end effector, wherein the articulation actuator ismovable distally to rotate the end effector in a first direction andproximally to rotate the end effector in a second direction. Thearticulation actuator comprises a second longitudinal rack of lockteeth. The shaft further comprises an articulation lock comprising athird longitudinal rack of lock teeth. The articulation lock ispositionable in an unlocked position in which the articulation actuatorcan move relative to the frame and a locked position in which the thirdlongitudinal rack of lock teeth is engaged with the first longitudinalrack of lock teeth and the second longitudinal rack of lock teeth toprevent the proximal and distal movement of the articulation actuator.

Example 96

The surgical instrument of Example 95, wherein the first longitudinalrack of lock teeth is defined in a first plane and the secondlongitudinal rack of lock teeth is defined in a second plane. The firstplane and the second plane are different.

Example 97

The surgical instrument of Example 95 or 96, wherein the lock plate isslidable relative to the frame.

Example 98

The surgical instrument of Example 95, 96, or 97, wherein the framecomprises a recess and the lock plate is positioned within the recess.The recess comprises a proximal end wall configured to limit theproximal movement of the lock plate within the recess. The recessfurther comprises a distal end wall configured to limit the distalmovement of the lock plate within the recess.

Example 99

The surgical instrument of Example 98, further comprising a biasingmember positioned between the proximal end wall and the lock plate.

Example 100

The surgical instrument of Example 98, further comprising a biasingmember positioned between the distal end wall and the lock plate.

Example 101

The surgical instrument of Example 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100, whereinthe end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein thefirst jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open positionand a closed position. The surgical instrument further comprises aclosure member configured to move the first jaw toward the closedposition during a closure stroke. The closure member is configured toengage the articulation lock during the closure stroke and hold thearticulation lock in the locked position.

Example 102

The surgical instrument of Example 101, wherein the shaft defines alongitudinal axis. The frame comprises a flexible portion, wherein theclosure member is configured to push the lock plate against the flexibleportion and deflect the flexible portion laterally with respect to thelongitudinal axis.

Example 103

The surgical instrument of Example 102, wherein the flexible portioncomprises a lateral sidewall and a cavity defined behind the lateralsidewall. The lateral sidewall is configured to flex into the cavity.

Example 104

The surgical instrument of Example 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102 or103, wherein the articulation lock is biased into engagement with thelock plate and the articulation actuator.

Example 105

The surgical instrument of Example 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102,103 or 104, wherein the end effector further comprises a staplecartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 106

The surgical instrument of Example 105, wherein the staple cartridge isreplaceable.

Example 107

The surgical instrument of Example 105 or 106, wherein the end effectorcomprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movablerelative to the second jaw between an open position and a closedposition. The first jaw comprises the staple cartridge.

Example 108

The surgical instrument of Example 105 or 106, wherein the end effectorcomprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movablerelative to the second jaw between an open position and a closedposition. The second jaw comprises the staple cartridge.

Example 109

The surgical instrument of Example 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102,103, 104, 105, 106, 107 or 108, wherein the first longitudinal rack oflock teeth comprises teeth spaced at a first pitch. The secondlongitudinal rack of lock teeth comprises teeth spaced at a secondpitch, wherein the second pitch is different than the first pitch. Thethird longitudinal rack of lock teeth comprises teeth spaced at a thirdpitch, wherein the third pitch is different than the first pitch and thesecond pitch.

Example 110

A surgical instrument that comprises an end effector and a shaft. Theend effector comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The shaftcomprises a frame that comprises a first longitudinal rack of lockteeth. The shaft further comprises an articulation joint, wherein theend effector is rotatably connected to the shaft by the articulationjoint. The shaft further comprises an articulation actuator operablyconnected to the end effector. The articulation actuator is movabledistally to rotate the end effector in a first direction and thearticulation actuator is movable proximally to rotate the end effectorin a second direction. The articulation actuator comprises a secondlongitudinal rack of lock teeth. The shaft further comprises anarticulation lock that comprises a third longitudinal rack of lockteeth. The articulation lock is positionable in an unlocked position inwhich the articulation actuator can move relative to the frame and alocked position in which the third longitudinal rack of lock teeth areengaged with the first longitudinal rack of lock teeth of the frame andthe second longitudinal rack of lock teeth of the articulation actuatorto inhibit the proximal and distal movement of the articulationactuator.

Example 111

The surgical instrument of Example 110, wherein the frame comprises aslidable lock plate, and wherein the first longitudinal rack of lockteeth are defined on the lock plate.

Example 112

The surgical instrument of Example 110 or 111, wherein the end effectorcomprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein.

Example 113

A surgical instrument that comprises an end effector and a shaft. Theshaft comprises a frame and an articulation joint, wherein the endeffector is rotatably connected to the shaft by the articulation joint.The shaft further comprises an articulation actuator operably connectedto the end effector. The articulation actuator is movable in a firstdirection to rotate the end effector in one direction and thearticulation actuator is movable in a second direction to rotate the endeffector in another direction. The shaft further comprises anarticulation lock positionable in a first position in which thearticulation actuator can move relative to the frame and a secondposition in which the articulation lock is engaged with the frame andthe articulation actuator to limit the movement of the articulationactuator in the first direction and the second direction.

Example 114

The surgical instrument of Example 113, wherein the end effectorcomprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein.

Example 115

A surgical instrument that comprises an end effector head configurablein an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration. The surgicalinstrument further comprises a shaft. The shaft comprises a framecomprising a longitudinal axis and an articulation joint, wherein theend effector head is rotatably connected to the shaft by thearticulation joint. The shaft further comprises an articulation actuatoroperably connected to the end effector head. The articulation actuatoris movable in a first direction to rotate the end effector head in onedirection and the articulation actuator is movable in a second directionto rotate the end effector head in another direction. The articulationactuator comprises at least one lock projection extending laterallyrelative to the longitudinal axis. The shaft further comprises anarticulation lock that comprises at least two projections extendinglaterally relative to the longitudinal axis. The articulation lock isconfigured to flex laterally relative to the longitudinal axis to allowfor articulation motion of the end effector head. The shaft furthercomprises a closure member configured to move the end effector head fromthe unclamped configuration into the clamped configuration during aclosure stroke, wherein the closure member prevents the articulationlock from flexing laterally after the closure stroke thereby restrainingthe end effector head from articulating.

Example 116

A surgical instrument that comprises an end effector that comprises aproximal end, a distal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jawis movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and aclosed position. The surgical instrument further comprises a shaft thatcomprises a frame, wherein the frame comprises a first longitudinal rackof lock teeth. The shaft further comprises an articulation joint,wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft by thearticulation joint. The shaft further comprises an articulation actuatoroperably connected to the end effector, wherein the articulationactuator is movable distally to rotate the end effector in a firstdirection and proximally to rotate the end effector in a seconddirection. The articulation actuator comprises a second longitudinalrack of lock teeth. The shaft further comprises an articulation lockcomprising a third group of lock teeth. The articulation lock ispositionable in a disengaged position in which the third group of lockteeth is not engaged with the frame and the articulation actuator and anengaged position in which the third group of lock teeth is engaged withthe first longitudinal rack of lock teeth and the second longitudinalrack of lock teeth to prevent the proximal and distal movement of thearticulation actuator. The shaft further comprises a closure memberconfigured to move the first jaw toward the closed position during aclosure stroke. The closure member is configured to engage thearticulation lock during the closure stroke and move the articulationlock from the disengaged position into the engaged position.

Example 117

The surgical instrument of Example 116, wherein the first longitudinalrack of lock teeth is defined in a first plane. The second longitudinalrack of lock teeth is defined in a second plane. The first plane and thesecond plane are different.

Example 118

The surgical instrument of Example 116 or 117, wherein the end effectorfurther comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably storedtherein.

Example 119

The surgical instrument of Example 118, wherein the staple cartridge isreplaceable.

Example 120

The surgical instrument of Example 118 or 119, wherein the end effectorcomprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movablerelative to the second jaw between an open position and a closedposition. The first jaw comprises the staple cartridge.

Example 121

The surgical instrument of Example 118 or 119, wherein the end effectorcomprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movablerelative to the second jaw between an open position and a closedposition. The second jaw comprises the staple cartridge.

Example 122

The surgical instrument of Example 116, 117, 118, 119, 120 or 121,wherein the first longitudinal rack of lock teeth comprises teeth spacedat a first pitch. The second longitudinal rack of lock teeth comprisesteeth spaced at a second pitch, wherein the second pitch is differentthan the first pitch. The third group of lock teeth comprises teethspaced at a third pitch, wherein the third pitch is different than thefirst pitch and the second pitch.

Example 123

The surgical instrument of Example 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121 or 122,wherein the shaft defines a longitudinal axis. The articulation lockcomprises a lock plate slidable laterally relative to the longitudinalaxis between the disengaged position and the engaged position. The framecomprises a proximal guide post and a distal guide post. The lock platecomprises a proximal lateral slot and a distal lateral slot, wherein theproximal guide post extends into the proximal lateral slot and thedistal guide post extends into the distal lateral slot. The proximalguide post and the distal guide post co-operate to define the lateralpath of the lock plate.

Example 124

The surgical instrument of Example 123, wherein the lock plate comprisesa lock slot including sidewalls defined therein. The closure membercomprises a lock driver extending into the lock slot. The lock driver isconfigured to engage a sidewall to shift the lock plate from thedisengaged position to the engaged position during the closure stroke.

Example 125

The surgical instrument of Example 124, wherein the closure member ismovable through a retraction stroke to allow the first jaw to be movedinto the open position. The lock driver is configured to engage one ofthe sidewalls of the lock slot to shift the lock plate from the engagedposition to the disengaged position during the retraction stroke.

Example 126

The surgical instrument of Example 124, wherein the closure member ismovable through an opening stroke to move the first jaw into the openposition. The lock driver is configured to engage one of the sidewallsof the lock slot to shift the lock plate from the engaged position tothe disengaged position during the opening stroke.

Example 127

The surgical instrument of Example 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122,123, 124, 125 or 126, wherein the articulation lock comprises a lock armdeflectable into the engaged position by the closure member.

Example 128

The surgical instrument of Example 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122,123, 124, 125 or 126, wherein the articulation lock comprises a firstlock arm and a the second lock arm. The closure member comprises a wedgepositionable between the first lock arm and the second lock arm duringthe closure stroke to deflect the articulation lock into the engagedposition.

Example 129

The surgical instrument of Example 128, wherein the third group of lockteeth are present on the first lock arm and the second lock arm.

Example 130

The surgical instrument of Example 128 or 129, wherein the first lockarm is configured to engage the first longitudinal rack of lock teethand the second lock arm is configured to engage the second longitudinalrack of lock teeth.

Example 131

A surgical instrument that comprises an end effector that comprises afirst jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to thesecond jaw between an open position and a closed position. The surgicalinstrument further comprises a shaft. The shaft comprises a frame and alock plate movable relative to the frame, wherein the lock platecomprises a first group of lock teeth. The shaft further comprises anarticulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected tothe shaft by the articulation joint. The shaft further comprises anarticulation actuator operably connected to the end effector, whereinthe articulation actuator is configured to rotate the end effector in afirst direction and a second direction. The articulation actuatorcomprises a second group of lock teeth. The shaft further comprises anarticulation lock that comprises a third group of lock teeth. Thearticulation lock is positionable in a disengaged position in which thethird group of lock teeth is not engaged with the lock plate, the frame,and the articulation actuator and an engaged position in which the thirdgroup of lock teeth is engaged with the first group of lock teeth andthe second group of lock teeth to inhibit the articulation of the endeffector. The shaft further comprises a closure member configured tomove the first jaw toward the closed position during a closure stroke.The closure member is configured to engage the articulation lock duringthe closure stroke and move the articulation lock from the disengagedposition into the engaged position.

Example 132

The surgical instrument of Example 131, wherein the end effector furthercomprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein.

Example 133

A surgical instrument that comprises an end effector that comprises afirst jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to thesecond jaw between an open position and a closed position. The surgicalinstrument further comprises a shaft. The shaft comprises a frame,wherein the frame comprises a first group of lock teeth. The shaftfurther comprises an articulation joint, wherein the end effector isrotatably connected to the shaft by the articulation joint. The shaftfurther comprises an articulation actuator operably connected to the endeffector, wherein the articulation actuator is configured to rotate theend effector in a first direction and a second direction. The shaftfurther comprises an articulation lock comprising a gear including asecond group of teeth meshingly engaged with the first group of teeth,wherein the gear is rotatably mounted to the frame. The shaft furthercomprises a closure member configured to move the first jaw toward theclosed position during a closure stroke. The closure member isconfigured to engage the gear during the closure stroke to inhibit theend effector from being articulated.

Example 134

The surgical instrument of Example 133, wherein the end effector furthercomprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein.

Example 135

A surgical instrument that comprises an end effector that comprises afirst jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to thesecond jaw between an open position and a closed position. The surgicalinstrument further comprises a shaft. The shaft comprises a frame and alock plate movable relative to the frame, wherein the lock platecomprises a first group of coupling features. The shaft furthercomprises an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatablyconnected to the shaft by the articulation joint. The shaft furthercomprises an articulation actuator operably connected to the endeffector, wherein the articulation actuator is configured to rotate theend effector in a first direction and a second direction. Thearticulation actuator comprises a second group of coupling features. Theshaft further comprises an articulation lock comprising a third group ofcoupling features, wherein the articulation lock is positionable in adisengaged position in which the third group of coupling features is notengaged with the lock plate and the articulation actuator and an engagedposition in which the third group of coupling features is engaged withthe first group of coupling features and the second group of couplingfeatures to inhibit the articulation of the end effector. The shaftfurther comprises a closure member configured to move the first jawtoward the closed position during a closure stroke. The closure memberis configured to engage the articulation lock during the closure strokeand move the articulation lock from the disengaged position into theengaged position.

Example 136

A surgical instrument that comprises an end effector that comprises afirst jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to thesecond jaw between an open position and a closed position. The surgicalinstrument further comprises a shaft. The shaft comprises a frame, agrounding member movable relative to the frame, and an articulationjoint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft bythe articulation joint. The shaft further comprises an articulationactuator operably connected to the end effector, wherein thearticulation actuator is configured to rotate the end effector in afirst direction and a second direction. The shaft further comprises anarticulation lock positionable in a disengaged position in which thearticulation lock is not engaged with the grounding member and thearticulation actuator and an engaged position in which the articulationlock is engaged with the grounding member and the articulation actuatorto inhibit the articulation of the end effector. The shaft furthercomprises a closure member configured to move the first jaw toward theclosed position during a closure stroke. The closure member isconfigured to engage the articulation lock during the closure stroke andmove the articulation lock from the disengaged position into the engagedposition.

Example 137

A surgical instrument insertable through a trocar. The surgicalinstrument comprises a handle and a shaft extending from the handle. Theshaft comprises a frame, a proximal portion connected to the handle, adistal portion that comprises an end effector, and an articulationjoint, wherein the end effector is rotatable about the articulationjoint. The shaft further comprises an articulation actuator operablycoupled to the end effector, wherein the articulation actuator isselectively movable to rotate the end effector in a first direction anda second direction. The shaft further comprises an outer housingslidable relative to the frame. The outer housing comprises a distalnon-round housing portion adjacent the articulation joint and alongitudinal round housing portion extending between the proximalportion and the distal non-round housing portion. The longitudinal roundhousing portion comprises a first diameter. The distal non-round housingportion comprises a second diameter. The first diameter is less than thesecond diameter. The distal non-round housing portion and thelongitudinal round housing portion are sized and configured to beinserted through the trocar into a surgical site. The shaft furthercomprises an articulation lock configured to engage the articulationactuator and prevent the rotation of the end effector, wherein thearticulation lock is positioned within the distal non-round housingportion.

Example 138

The surgical instrument of Example 137, wherein the end effectorcomprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein.

Example 139

The surgical instrument of Example 138, wherein the end effector furthercomprises an anvil configured to deform the staples. The anvil isrotatable relative to the staple cartridge.

Example 140

The surgical instrument of Example 138, wherein the end effector furthercomprises an anvil configured to deform the staples, and wherein thestaple cartridge is rotatable relative to the anvil.

Example 141

The surgical instrument of Example 137, 138, 139 or 140, wherein thestaple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 142

The surgical instrument of Example 137, 138, 139, 140 or 141, whereinthe end effector is replaceable.

Example 143

The surgical instrument of Example 137, 138, 139, 140, 141 or 142,wherein the longitudinal round housing portion defines a longitudinalaxis. The distal non-round housing portion is eccentrically offset withrespect to the longitudinal axis.

Example 144

The surgical instrument of Example 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142 or 143,wherein the proximal portion of the shaft comprises a connectorincluding a latch configured to releasably hold the shaft to the handle.

Example 145

The surgical instrument of Example 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143 or144, wherein the articulation lock is entirely positioned in the distalnon-round housing portion.

Example 146

The surgical instrument of Example 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143 or144, wherein the articulation lock comprises a fixed portion mounted tothe frame and a lock portion movable within the distal non-round housingportion.

Example 147

The surgical instrument of Example 146, wherein the articulation lockcomprises a fixed portion mounted to the frame and a lock portionmovable within the distal non-round housing portion.

Example 148

A surgical instrument insertable through a trocar. The surgicalinstrument comprises a handle and a shaft extending from the handle. Theshaft comprises a frame, a proximal portion attachable to the handle, adistal portion comprising an end effector, and an articulation joint,wherein the end effector is rotatable about the articulation joint. Theshaft further comprises an articulation actuator operably coupled to theend effector, wherein the articulation actuator is movable to rotate theend effector in a first direction and a second direction. The shaftfurther comprises an outer housing slidable relative to the frame. Theouter housing comprises a distal housing portion adjacent thearticulation joint, wherein the distal housing portion comprises anon-round perimeter comprising a width. The outer housing furthercomprises a longitudinal housing portion extending between the proximalportion and the distal housing portion. The longitudinal housing portioncomprises a substantially round perimeter comprising a diameter, whereinthe diameter is smaller than the width. The distal housing portion andthe longitudinal housing portion are sized and configured to be insertedthrough the trocar into a surgical site. The shaft further comprises anarticulation lock configured to engage the articulation actuator andprevent the rotation of the end effector, wherein the articulation lockis positioned within the distal housing portion.

Example 149

The surgical instrument of Example 148, wherein the end effectorcomprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein.

Example 150

The surgical instrument of Example 148 or 149, wherein the staplecartridge is replaceable.

Example 151

The surgical instrument of Example 148, 149 or 150, wherein the endeffector is replaceable.

Example 152

The surgical instrument of Example 148, 149, 150 or 151, wherein thearticulation lock is entirely positioned in the distal housing portion.

Example 153

The surgical instrument of Example 148, 149, 150 or 151, wherein thearticulation lock comprises a fixed portion mounted to the frame and alock portion movable within the distal housing portion.

Example 154

The surgical instrument of Example 153, wherein the fixed portion is inthe longitudinal housing portion.

Example 155

A surgical instrument that comprises a handle, a detachable shaftextending from the handle. The detachable shaft comprises a frame, aproximal latch attachable to the handle, a distal portion comprising anend effector, and an articulation joint, wherein the end effector isrotatable about the articulation joint. The detachable shaft furthercomprises an articulation actuator configured to articulate the endeffector in a first direction and a second direction. The detachableshaft further comprises an outer tube translatable relative to theframe. The outer tube comprises a distal tube portion adjacent thearticulation joint, wherein the distal tube portion comprises anon-round perimeter comprising a width. The outer tube further comprisesa longitudinal tube portion. The longitudinal tube portion comprises asubstantially round perimeter comprising a diameter, wherein thediameter is smaller than the width. The distal tube portion and thelongitudinal tube portion are sized and configured to be insertedthrough the trocar into a surgical site. The detachable shaft furthercomprises an articulation lock configured to engage the articulationactuator and prevent the rotation of the end effector, wherein thearticulation lock is positioned within the distal tube portion.

Example 156

A surgical stapling instrument system that comprises a handle, a nozzle,and an elongate shaft. The an elongate shaft comprises a proximal end, adistal end, a proximal region that comprises a first diameter, a centralregion that comprises a second diameter, wherein the central regiondefines a longitudinal axis, and a distal region that comprises a thirddiameter. The first diameter is different than the second diameter andthe distal region is offset laterally with respect to the longitudinalaxis. The surgical stapling instrument system further comprises an endeffector that comprises a first jaw. The first jaw comprises an elongatechannel and a staple cartridge that comprises a plurality of staples,wherein the staple cartridge is operably supported in the elongatechannel. The end effector further comprises a second jaw, wherein thesecond jaw is movable relative to the first jaw. The surgical staplinginstrument system further comprises an articulation joint rotatablyconnecting the end effector to the elongate shaft, a firing memberconfigured to move within the end effector, and a firing systemconfigured to apply a firing motion to the firing member.

Example 157

The surgical stapling instrument system of Example 156, wherein thefirst diameter is larger than the second diameter.

Example 158

The surgical stapling instrument system of Example 156 or 157, whereinthe second diameter is smaller than the third diameter.

Example 159

The surgical stapling instrument system of Example 156, 157 or 158,wherein the third diameter is smaller than the first diameter and largerthan the second diameter.

Example 160

The surgical stapling instrument system of Example 156, 157, 158 or 159,wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform thestaples.

Example 161

The surgical stapling instrument system of Example 156, 157, 158, 159 or160, wherein the distal region of the elongate shaft comprises at leastone flat side.

Example 162

The surgical stapling instrument system of Example 156, 157, 158, 159,160 or 161, wherein the distal region is not entirely cylindrical.

Example 163

A surgical stapling instrument that comprises an elongate shaft. Theelongate shaft comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a first widthat the proximal end, wherein the first width of the elongate shafttransitions to a second width in the center of the elongate shaft, andwherein the second width of the elongate shaft transitions to a thirdwidth at the distal end of the elongate shaft. The distal end of theelongate shaft is not cylindrical, wherein the distal end comprises anenlargement extending laterally with respect to the second width, andwherein the first, second, and third widths are different. The surgicalstapling instrument further comprises an end effector configured to beattached to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The end effectorcomprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movablerelative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling instrument furthercomprises an articulation assembly configured to apply articulationmotions to the end effector, a firing member, and a firing systemconfigured to apply a firing motion to the firing member.

Example 164

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 163, wherein the first widthis larger than the second width.

Example 165

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 163 or 164, wherein thesecond width is smaller than the third width.

Example 166

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 163, 164 or 165, wherein thethird width is smaller than the first width and larger than the secondwidth.

Example 167

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 163, 164, 165 or 166,wherein the distal end of the elongate shaft is configured to fitthrough a 12 mm cannula passageway.

Example 168

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 163, 164, 165, 166 or 167,wherein the center of the elongate shaft comprises a width which is lessthan 10 mm.

Example 169

A surgical fastening instrument that comprises an elongate shaft. Theelongate shaft comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a proximal regionthat comprises a first circumference, a central region that comprises asecond circumference, wherein the central region defines a centrallongitudinal axis, and a distal region comprising a third circumference.The first circumference is different than the second circumference,wherein the third circumference is offset with respect to the secondcircumference. The surgical fastening instrument further comprises anend effector configured to be attached to the distal end of the elongateshaft. The end effector comprises a fastener cartridge jaw and an anvil.The surgical fastening instrument further comprises an articulationsystem configured to apply articulation motions to the end effector, afiring member, wherein the firing member is configured to travel throughthe end effector, and a firing system configured to apply firing andretraction motions to the firing member.

Example 170

The surgical fastening instrument of Example 169, wherein the firstcircumference is larger than the second circumference.

Example 171

The surgical fastening instrument of Example 169 or 170, wherein thesecond circumference is smaller than the third circumference.

Example 172

The surgical fastening instrument of Example 169, 170 or 171, whereinthe third circumference is smaller than the first circumference andlarger than the second circumference.

Example 173

The surgical fastening instrument of Example 169, 170, 171 or 172,wherein the proximal region comprises a stepped down configuration.

Example 174

The surgical fastening instrument of Example 169, 170, 171, 172 or 173,wherein the distal region of the elongate shaft comprises at least oneflat side.

Example 175

The surgical fastening instrument of Example 169, 170, 171, 172, 173 or174, wherein the central region comprises a stepped up region at thedistal end.

Example 176

A surgical instrument that comprises a housing and a shaft extendingfrom the housing that comprises an outer tube portion. The outer tubeportion includes a proximal tube portion, wherein the proximal tubeportion defines a longitudinal axis, and an elongate intermediate tubeportion extending distally from the proximal tube portion, wherein theintermediate tube portion is centered along the longitudinal axis. Theouter tube portion further includes a distal tube portion extendingdistally from the intermediate tube portion, wherein the distal tubeportion is laterally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis, andwherein the distal tube portion comprises an enlargement extending to aside of the longitudinal axis. The outer tube portion further includes atapered neckdown defined between the intermediate tube portion and thedistal tube portion.

Example 177

The surgical instrument of Example 176, further comprising an endeffector and an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effectorto the distal tube portion.

Example 178

The surgical instrument of Example 177, wherein the end effectorcomprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein.

Example 179

A surgical instrument that comprises a housing comprising an electricmotor. The surgical instrument further comprises a shaft extending fromthe housing, wherein the shaft comprises a frame, and an end effector.The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, wherein the firstjaw is rotatable relative to the second jaw, a staple cartridgecomprising staples removably stored therein, and an anvil configured todeform the staples. The surgical instrument further comprises a closuresystem configured to move the first jaw toward the second jaw during aclosure stroke, an articulation joint rotatably connecting the endeffector to the shaft, an articulation system configured to articulatethe end effector relative to the shaft, and a firing system operablyengaged with the electric motor. The firing system is configured toeject the staples from the staple cartridge during a staple firingstroke. The surgical instrument further comprises a first rotatablemember configured to selectively transmit motion from the firing systemto the articulation system and a second rotatable member rotatablymounted to the frame, wherein the second rotatable member is operablyengaged with the articulation system. The closure system is configuredto engage the second rotatable member during the closure stroke to lockthe articulation system in place and prevent the articulation of the endeffector.

Example 180

The surgical instrument of Example 179, wherein the closure systemcomprises a closure tube surrounding the frame. The closure systemfurther comprises a wedge configured to engage the second rotatablemember and lock the second rotatable in position during the closurestroke.

Example 181

The surgical instrument of Example 179 or 180, wherein the firstrotatable member is rotatably mounted within the frame.

Example 182

The surgical instrument of Example 179, 180 or 181, wherein the secondrotatable member comprises a gear intermeshed with a rack of teethdefined on the articulation system.

Example 183

The surgical instrument of Example 179, 180, 181 or 182, wherein thefirst jaw comprises the staple cartridge and the second jaw comprisesthe anvil.

Example 184

The surgical instrument of Example 179, 180, 181 or 182, wherein thefirst jaw comprises the anvil and the second jaw comprises the staplecartridge.

Example 185

The surgical instrument of Example 179, 180, 181, 182, 183 or 184,wherein the housing comprises a handle.

Example 186

The surgical instrument of Example 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184 or 185,wherein the housing is attachable to a robotic surgical system.

Example 187

The surgical instrument of Example 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185 or186, wherein the first rotatable member is configured to operablydecouple the articulation system from the firing system during theclosure stroke.

Example 188

The surgical instrument of Example 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185,186 or 187, wherein the articulation system is operably decoupled fromthe firing system during the staple firing stroke.

Example 189

The surgical instrument of Example 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185,186, 187 or 188, wherein the closure system is retractable after theclosure stroke to open the first jaw and to unlock the articulationsystem.

Example 190

The surgical instrument of Example 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185,186, 187, 188 or 189, wherein the second rotatable member is rotatableabout a post extending from the frame. The post comprises a first brakearm and a second brake arm, wherein the closure system is configured toengage the first and second brake arms during the closure stroke andprevent the rotation of the second rotatable member.

Example 191

The surgical instrument of Example 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185,186, 187, 188, 189 or 190, wherein the second rotatable member comprisesan annular array of teeth, and wherein the closure system is configuredto engage the annular array of teeth during the closure stroke andprevent the rotation of the second rotatable member.

Example 192

A surgical instrument that comprises a housing comprising a rotatableinput, a shaft extending from the housing, wherein the shaft comprises aframe, and an end effector. The end effector comprises a first jaw and asecond jaw, wherein the first jaw is rotatable relative to the secondjaw. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure systemconfigured to close the first jaw during a closure stroke, anarticulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft,an articulation system configured to articulate the end effectorrelative to the shaft, and a firing system operably engaged with therotatable input. The firing system is configured to move through the endeffector during a firing stroke. The surgical instrument furthercomprises a first rotatable member configured to selectively synchronizethe firing system and the articulation system and a second rotatablemember rotatably mounted to the frame. The second rotatable member isoperably engaged with the articulation system, wherein the closuresystem is configured to engage the second rotatable member during theclosure stroke to lock the articulation system in place and prevent thearticulation of the end effector.

Example 193

The surgical instrument of Example 192, further comprising a staplecartridge including staples removably stored therein.

Example 194

A surgical instrument that comprises a housing comprising a rotatableinput, a shaft extending from the housing, wherein the shaft comprises aframe, and an end effector. The end effector comprises a first jaw and asecond jaw, wherein the first jaw is rotatable relative to the secondjaw. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure systemconfigured to close the first jaw during a closure stroke, anarticulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft,an articulation system configured to articulate the end effectorrelative to the shaft, and a firing system operably engaged with therotatable input. The firing system is configured to move through the endeffector during a firing stroke. The surgical instrument furthercomprises a first rotatable member configured to selectively synchronizethe motion of the firing system with the motion of the articulationsystem and a second rotatable member operably engageable with thearticulation system. The closure system is configured to stop therotation of the second rotatable member during the closure stroke tolock the articulation system in place and prevent the articulation ofthe end effector.

Example 195

The surgical instrument of Example 194, further comprising a staplecartridge including staples removably stored therein.

Example 196

A staple cartridge assembly that comprises a proximal end, a distal end,a cartridge body comprising a blunt nose at the distal end, a pluralityof staple cavities defined within the cartridge body, wherein theplurality of staple cavities extends longitudinally from the proximalend to the distal end, a plurality of staples removably stored withinthe plurality of staple cavities, a driver configured to support atleast one of the plurality of staples, and a sled movable toward thedistal end during a firing stroke. The sled comprises a first ramp and asecond ramp, wherein the first ramp is laterally offset from the secondramp. The first ramp and the second ramp are configured to lift thedriver, wherein the blunt nose of the cartridge body comprises a firstrecess formed within the distal end configured to receive the first rampof the sled after the completion of the firing stroke and a secondrecess formed within the distal end configured to receive the secondramp of the sled after the firing stroke has been completed.

Example 197

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 196, wherein the first ramp andthe second ramp are exposed at the distal end upon the completion of thefiring stroke.

Example 198

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 196 or 197, wherein the drivercomprises a first driver portion configured to support a first staple, asecond driver portion configured to support a second staple, and a thirddriver portion configured to support a third staple.

Example 199

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 198, wherein the driver furthercomprises a central base member which connects the first driver portion,the second driver portion, and the third driver portion.

Example 200

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 199, wherein the first driverportion comprises a first forward support column comprising a proximalend and the second driver portion comprises a second forward supportcolumn comprising a distal end. The central base member extendslongitudinally between the proximal end of the first forward supportcolumn and the distal end of the second forward support column.

Example 201

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 196, 197, 198, 199 or 200,wherein the central base member comprises a rearwardly-angled wallconfigured to be engaged by the sled.

Example 202

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 196, 197, 198, 199, 200 or 201,wherein the sled is configured to drive the driver toward an anvilpositioned opposite the staple cartridge assembly.

Example 203

A staple cartridge assembly that comprises a proximal end, a distal end,a cartridge body comprising a shortened nose at the distal end, and arow of staples removably stored in the cartridge body. The row ofstaples extends longitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end.The row of staples comprises a distal-most staple and a proximal-moststaple. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises drivers, whereineach the driver is configured to support at least one of the staples,and a sled movable toward the distal end. The sled comprises a rampconfigured to lift the drivers and the staples toward an anvilpositioned opposite the staple cartridge assembly during a firingstroke. The sled further comprises a base, wherein a length of theshortened nose extends from the distal-most staple to the distal end,and wherein the length of the shortened nose is shorter than the base ofthe sled.

Example 204

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 203, further comprising theanvil, wherein the anvil comprises a protective tip on the distal end.

Example 205

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 203 or 304, further comprisingthe anvil, wherein the distal end of the shortened nose extends beyondthe distal end of the anvil.

Example 206

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 203, 204 or 205, wherein theramp of the sled is exposed at the distal end upon the completion of thefiring stroke.

Example 207

An end effector for a surgical stapling instrument. The end effectorcomprises a staple cartridge assembly. The staple cartridge assemblycomprises a proximal end, a distal end, a cartridge body comprising ashortened nose at the distal end, staples removably stored in thecartridge body, a driver configured to support at least one of thestaples, and a sled movable toward the distal end. The sled comprises aramp configured to lift the driver and at least one staple. The sledfurther comprises a base, wherein the shortened nose of the cartridgebody is shorter than the base of the sled. The end effector furthercomprises an anvil. The anvil comprises a staple forming surfacecomprising a plurality of staple forming pockets. The anvil furthercomprises a blunt distal nose extending downward toward the staplecartridge assembly.

Example 208

The end effector of Example 207, wherein the blunt distal nose isremovably attached to the anvil.

Example 209

The end effector of Example 207 or 208, wherein the anvil furthercomprises a frame comprising an attachment feature configured tofacilitate the attachment of the blunt distal nose to the frame.

Example 210

The end effector of Example 207, 208 or 209, wherein the anvil comprisesa distal end, and wherein the distal end of the staple cartridgeassembly extends beyond the distal end of the anvil.

Example 211

A staple cartridge assembly that comprises a cartridge body, a proximalend, a distal end, a slot configured to receive a cutting member, and afirst row of staples removably stored in the cartridge body, wherein thefirst row of staples extends between the proximal end and the distal endalongside a first side of the slot. The staple cartridge assemblyfurther comprises a second row of staples removably stored in thecartridge body, wherein the second row of staples extends between theproximal end and the distal end alongside the first row of staples onthe first side of the slot. The staple cartridge assembly furthercomprises a third row of staples removably stored in the cartridge body,wherein the third row of staples extends between the proximal end andthe distal end alongside the second row of staples on the first side ofthe slot. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a driverconfigured to support a first staple from the first row of staples, asecond staple from the second row of staples, and a third staple fromthe third row of staples, wherein the second staple is closer to theproximal end than the first staple and the third staple.

Example 212

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 211, wherein the first staple,the second staple, and the third staple form a reverse arrowconfiguration.

Example 213

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 211 or 212, further comprisinga sled configured to lift the driver toward an anvil positioned oppositethe staple cartridge assembly.

Example 214

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 211, 212 or 213, furthercomprising an anvil, wherein the anvil comprises a distal end.

Example 215

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 214, wherein the distal end ofthe staple cartridge extends distally with respect to the distal end ofthe anvil.

Example 216

A staple cartridge system that comprises an end effector configurable inan unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration. The end effectorcomprises an anvil jaw and a cartridge jaw. The cartridge jaw isconfigured to receive a staple cartridge. The cartridge jaw comprises acartridge support datum. The staple cartridge system further comprises afirst staple cartridge. The first staple cartridge comprises a firstdeck configured to support the tissue of a patient, first staplecavities defined in the first deck, first staples removably stored inthe first staple cavities, and a first proximal end. The first proximalend is aligned with a datum of the cartridge jaw when the first staplecartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaw. The first staple cartridgefurther comprises a first distal end, wherein a first cartridge lengthis defined between the first proximal end and the first distal end. Thestaple cartridge system further comprises a second staple cartridge. Thesecond staple cartridge comprises a second deck configured to supportthe tissue of a patient, second staple cavities defined in the seconddeck, second staples removably stored in the second staple cavities, anda second proximal end. The second proximal end is aligned with the datumof the cartridge jaw when the second staple cartridge is positioned inthe cartridge jaw. The second staple cartridge further comprises asecond distal end, wherein a second cartridge length is defined betweenthe second proximal end and the second distal end, wherein the anvil issupported by a first location on the first staple cartridge when the endeffector is in the clamped configuration and the first staple cartridgeis positioned in the cartridge jaw. The anvil is supported by a secondlocation on the second staple cartridge when the end effector is in theclamped configuration and the second staple cartridge is positioned inthe cartridge jaw. The first location is a first orthogonal distanceaway from the cartridge support datum when the first staple cartridge ispositioned in the cartridge jaw and the second location is a secondorthogonal distance away from the cartridge support datum when thesecond staple cartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaw. The firstorthogonal distance is different than the second orthogonal distance.The anvil jaw deflects differently in response to whether the firststaple cartridge or the second staple cartridge is positioned in thecartridge jaw.

Example 217

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, wherein the second cartridgelength is different than the first cartridge length.

Example 218

The staple cartridge system of Example 216 or 217, wherein the secondcartridge length is shorter than the first cartridge length.

Example 219

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217 or 218, wherein thesecond orthogonal distance is shorter than the first orthogonaldistance.

Example 220

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217 or 218, wherein thesecond orthogonal distance is taller than the first orthogonal distance.

Example 221

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 219 or 220, wherein thesecond cartridge length is longer than the first cartridge length.

Example 222

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218 or 221, wherein thesecond orthogonal distance is shorter than the first orthogonaldistance.

Example 223

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218 or 221, wherein thesecond orthogonal distance is taller than the first orthogonal distance.

Example 224

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222or 223, wherein the second location is closer to the second distal endthan the first location to the first distal end.

Example 225

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222or 223, wherein the second location is positioned further from thesecond distal end than the first location from the first distal end.

Example 226

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221,222, 223, 224 or 225, wherein the anvil jaw comprises a distal anviltip. The first cartridge length is set such that the distal anvil tipextends beyond the first distal end, wherein the second cartridge lengthis set such that the distal anvil tip does not extend beyond the seconddistal end.

Example 227

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221,222, 223, 224, 225 or 226, wherein the anvil jaw experiences a firstdeflection when the end effector is in the clamped configuration and thefirst staple cartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaw. The anvil jawexperiences a second deflection when the end effector is in the clampedconfiguration and the second staple cartridge is positioned in thecartridge jaw. The second deflection is larger than the firstdeflection.

Example 228

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221,222, 223, 224, 225, 226 or 227, wherein each first staple comprises anunformed height within a first unformed height range, wherein eachsecond staple comprises an unformed height within a second unformedheight range, and wherein the second unformed height range comprisesheights which are taller than the heights in the first unformed heightrange.

Example 229

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221,222, 223, 224, 225, 226 or 227, wherein each first staple comprises anunformed height within a first unformed height range, wherein eachsecond staple comprises an unformed height within a second unformedheight range, and wherein the second unformed height range comprisesheights which are shorter than the heights in the first unformed heightrange.

Example 230

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221,222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228 or 229, wherein each first staplecomprises an unformed height within a first unformed height range,wherein each second staple comprises an unformed height within a secondunformed height range, and wherein the second unformed height range isdifferent than the first unformed height range but partially overlapswith the first unformed height range.

Example 231

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221,222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229 or 230, wherein the anvil jawcomprises a distal anvil tip, wherein the first cartridge length is setsuch that the distal anvil tip extends beyond the first distal end, andwherein the second cartridge length is set such that the distal anviltip is shorter than the second distal end.

Example 232

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221,222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230 or 231, wherein the anviljaw is rotatable relative to the cartridge jaw.

Example 233

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221,222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230 or 231, wherein thecartridge jaw is rotatable relative to the anvil jaw.

Example 234

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221,222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232 or 233, whereinthe first distal end comprises a first cartridge nose and the seconddistal end comprises a second cartridge nose. The second cartridge noseis blunter than the first cartridge nose.

Example 235

The staple cartridge system of Example 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221,222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233 or 234,wherein the first distal end comprises a first cartridge nose and thesecond distal end comprises a second cartridge nose. The secondcartridge nose is shorter than the first cartridge nose.

The entire disclosures of:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE,which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVINGSEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21,2006;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING ANDFASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued onSep. 9, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENTWITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec.16, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING ANARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, whichissued on Jul. 13, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLEFASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537;

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U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FORA SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;

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U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22,2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection withcertain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodimentsmay be implemented. Particular features, structures, or characteristicsmay be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus,the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated ordescribed in connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole orin part, with the features, structures or characteristics of one oremore other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials aredisclosed for certain components, other materials may be used.Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may bereplaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replacedby a single component, to perform a given function or functions. Theforegoing description and following claims are intended to cover allsuch modification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In eithercase, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the stepsincluding, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followedby cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, andsubsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioningfacility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, aftercleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device canbe reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety oftechniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use ofsuch techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all withinthe scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, anew or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. Theinstrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, theinstrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plasticor TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a fieldof radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation,x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria onthe instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may thenbe stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep theinstrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A devicemay also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art,including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethyleneoxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdo not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical instrument, comprising: an endeffector, comprising: a cartridge jaw; and an anvil jaw, wherein one ofsaid cartridge jaw and said anvil jaw is rotatable relative to the otherabout a closure axis; a shaft, comprising: a frame defining alongitudinal shaft axis; and a closure actuator translatable relative tosaid frame, wherein said closure actuator comprises a proximal portion,a distal portion, and a link, wherein said link is rotatably connectedto said proximal portion about a proximal link axis and to said distalportion about a distal link axis, and wherein said proximal link axisand said distal link axis define a link plane; and an articulationjoint, wherein said end effector is rotatably connected to said shaftabout an articulation axis defined by said articulation joint, whereinsaid articulation axis is not movable relative to said end effector andsaid shaft, wherein said articulation axis is positioned proximal tosaid closure axis, wherein said end effector is articulable within anarticulation plane between an unarticulated position and an articulatedposition, wherein said articulation axis is laterally offset from saidlongitudinal shaft axis, wherein said articulation axis and saidlongitudinal shaft axis do not intersect one another, and wherein saidlink plane is transverse oblique to said longitudinal shaft axis whensaid end effector is in either said unarticulated position or saidarticulated position.
 2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, whereinsaid proximal link axis is positioned along said longitudinal shaftaxis.
 3. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said cartridge jawcomprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein.4. The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein said staple cartridge isreplaceable.
 5. The surgical instrument of claim 3, further comprising afiring actuator which is separate and distinct from said closureactuator, wherein said firing actuator is actuatable to eject saidstaples from said staple cartridge.
 6. The surgical instrument of claim1, wherein said end effector comprises a longitudinal end effector axis,wherein said longitudinal end effector axis is collinear with saidlongitudinal shaft axis when said end effector is in said unarticulatedposition, wherein said end effector comprises a distal end positionedalong said longitudinal end effector axis, and wherein said distal linkaxis is offset with respect to an axis extending between said distal endand said proximal link axis when said end effector is in either of saidunarticulated position and said articulated position.
 7. A surgicalinstrument, comprising: an end effector, comprising: a longitudinal endeffector axis; a distal end positioned along said longitudinal endeffector axis; a cartridge jaw; and an anvil jaw, wherein one of saidcartridge jaw and said anvil jaw is rotatable relative to the otherabout a closure axis; a shaft, comprising: a frame defining alongitudinal shaft axis; and a closure actuator translatable relative tosaid frame, wherein said closure actuator comprises a proximal portion,a distal portion, and a link, and wherein said link is rotatablyconnected to said proximal portion about a proximal link axis and tosaid distal portion about a distal link axis; and an articulation joint,wherein said end effector is rotatably connected to said shaft about anarticulation axis defined by said articulation joint, wherein saidarticulation axis is not movable relative to said end effector and saidshaft, wherein said articulation axis and said closure axis are notcollinear, wherein said end effector is articulable within anarticulation plane between an unarticulated position and an articulatedposition, wherein said articulation axis is laterally offset from saidlongitudinal shaft axis, wherein said articulation axis and saidlongitudinal shaft axis do not intersect one another, wherein saidlongitudinal end effector axis is aligned with said longitudinal shaftaxis when said end effector is in said unarticulated position, whereinsaid distal link axis is offset with respect to an axis extendingbetween said distal end of said end effector and said proximal link axiswhen said end effector is in either of said unarticulated position andsaid articulated position, and wherein said axis extending between saiddistal end of said end effector and said proximal link axis does notintersect said distal link axis when said end effector is in either saidunarticulated position or said articulated position.
 8. The surgicalinstrument of claim 7, wherein said proximal link axis and said distallink axis define a link plane, and wherein said link plane is transverseto said longitudinal shaft axis when said end effector is in either ofsaid unarticulated position and said articulated position.
 9. Thesurgical instrument of claim 7, wherein said proximal link axis ispositioned along said longitudinal shaft axis.
 10. The surgicalinstrument of claim 7, wherein said cartridge jaw comprises a staplecartridge including staples removably stored therein.
 11. The surgicalinstrument of claim 10, wherein said staple cartridge is replaceable.12. The surgical instrument of claim 10, further comprising a firingactuator which is separate and distinct from said closure actuator,wherein said firing actuator is actuatable to eject said staples fromsaid staple cartridge.
 13. A surgical instrument, comprising: an endeffector, comprising: a longitudinal end effector axis; a distal endpositioned along said longitudinal end effector axis; a first jaw; and asecond jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw between an open positionand a closed position about a closure axis; a shaft, comprising: a framedefining a longitudinal shaft axis; and a closure actuator translatablerelative to said frame, wherein said closure actuator comprises aproximal portion, a distal portion, and a link, and wherein said link isrotatably connected to said proximal portion about a proximal link axisand to said distal portion about a distal link axis; and an articulationjoint, wherein said end effector is rotatably connected to said shaftabout an articulation axis defined by said articulation joint, whereinsaid articulation axis is not movable relative to said end effector andsaid shaft, wherein said articulation axis is longitudinally offset fromsaid closure axis, wherein said end effector is articulable between anunarticulated position and an articulated position, wherein saidarticulation axis is laterally offset from said longitudinal shaft axis,wherein said articulation axis and said longitudinal shaft axis do notintersect one another, wherein said longitudinal end effector axis isaligned with said longitudinal shaft axis when said end effector is insaid unarticulated position, wherein said distal link axis is positionedlaterally with respect to an axis extending between said distal end ofsaid end effector and said proximal link axis when said second jaw is insaid open position, said closed position, and any position between saidopen position and said closed position, and wherein said axis extendingbetween said distal end of said end effector and said proximal link axisdoes not intersect said distal link axis when said end effector is ineither of said unarticulated position or said articulated position. 14.The surgical instrument of claim 13, wherein said proximal link axis andsaid distal link axis define a link plane, and wherein said link planeis not aligned with said longitudinal shaft axis when said second jaw isin said closed position regardless of whether said end effector is insaid unarticulated position or said articulated position.
 15. Thesurgical instrument of claim 13, wherein said proximal link axis andsaid distal link axis define a link plane, wherein said link plane isnot parallel to said longitudinal shaft axis when said second jaw is insaid closed position regardless of whether said end effector is in saidunarticulated position or said articulated position.
 16. The surgicalinstrument of claim 13, wherein said proximal link axis is positionedalong said longitudinal shaft axis.
 17. The surgical instrument of claim13, wherein said first jaw comprises a staple cartridge includingstaples removably stored therein.
 18. The surgical instrument of claim17, wherein said staple cartridge is replaceable.
 19. The surgicalinstrument of claim 17, further comprising a firing actuator which isseparate and distinct from said closure actuator, wherein said firingactuator is actuatable to eject said staples from said staple cartridge.